Susan Sarandon, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in “Thelma & Louise” and “Dead Man Walking,” has been dropped by United Talent Agency (UTA) following her controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City. The 77-year-old actress, a long-time figure in Hollywood and a vocal political activist, made comments which were widely criticized and led to her parting ways with UTA, a top Hollywood agency.
At the rally, Sarandon spoke about the fear experienced by Jewish individuals in the current climate, comparing it to the experiences of Muslims in America. She stated, “There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.” This comparison drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including Aviva Klompas, former director of speechwriting at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations, and Asra Nomani, an Indian-born American Muslim. Klompas accused Sarandon of implying that American Jews “have it coming,” while Nomani challenged Sarandon to experience life as a Muslim woman in a Muslim-majority country.
The backlash to Sarandon’s remarks was immediate and significant. Richard Siklos, a spokesman for UTA, confirmed that the agency, which had represented Sarandon since 2014, no longer worked with the actress. This split marks a significant moment in Sarandon’s career, which has spanned decades and includes numerous acclaimed performances. In addition to her acting achievements, Sarandon is also known for her political activism, often speaking out on various social and political issues.
This year, Sarandon appeared in the DC Comics movie “Blue Beetle,” which did not perform well at the box office, and a romantic comedy titled “Maybe I Do,” alongside Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, and William H. Macy. She also has three other films in post-production.
The incident reflects the broader tensions in Hollywood regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The industry has seen various figures express their views on the situation, leading to significant discussions and, in some cases, professional repercussions, as seen in the case of Maha Dakhil, a prominent agent at Creative Artists Agency.
Sarandon’s departure from UTA underscores the impact of political statements in the entertainment industry, particularly in a time of heightened sensitivity around issues of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
