Susan Sarandon is apologizing for her controversial comments last month at a pro-Palestinian rally.
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Over 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 6,000 children, have reportedly been killed in retaliatory attacks stemming from the events of Oct. 7, in which 1,200 Israelis were reportedly killed — the majority of them civilians — in attacks by Hamas. It was recently revealed that Israel’s government knew about plans for the attack over a year ago.
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Last month, Susan appeared at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City where she gave a speech to protesters. “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,” she said during her remarks.
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The backlash that Susan faced for her comments, which were interpreted as antisemitic, was swift. She was even dropped by United Talent Agency as criticism grew.
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“Recently, I attended a rally alongside a diverse group of activists seeking to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for a ceasefire,” she wrote. “I had not planned to speak but was invited to take the stage and say a few words.”
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“Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, ‘are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.’”
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“This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true. 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.”
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“I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment,” she concluded. “It was my intent to show solidarity to the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.”
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Head here to read more about celebrities and public figures who have faced repercussions for speaking out in support of Palestine.
