Susan Sarandon apologizes for Jewish remark at Pro-Palestinian rally: 'A terrible mistake'

Susan Sarandon has apologized for a comment she made at a Pro-Palestinian rally in New York last month amid the Israel-Hamas war, a remark that suggested Jewish people afraid of the rise in antisemitic hate are “getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.”

The Oscar winner’s declaration drew swift backlash online and, less than a week later, United Talent Agency dropped her as a client.

In a social media statement on Friday, Sarandon said she had been attempting to communicate "concern for an increase in hate crimes” with her original message. 

“This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true,” she wrote. “As we all know, from centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe, to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA, Jews have long been familiar with discrimination and religious violence, which continues to this day.”

She continued, “I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.”

Sarandon, who has been an outspoken social and political activist throughout her career, explained earlier in her statement that she attended the rally “seeking to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for a ceasefire," adding that she “had not planned to speak but was invited to take the stage and say a few words.”

The star concluded, “I will continue my commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people. I hope that we can meet with love and willingness to engage in dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree.”

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related content:

• Julianna Margulies faces backlash for comments about Black community's support for Palestine
• Pete Davidson addresses the Israel-Palestine conflict, father's death in emotional SNL cold open
• Scream VII star Melissa Barrera dropped from film after posts about Israel-Hamas war
• Melissa Barrera responds to Scream VII firing: 'Silence is not an option for me'