California · Local Post
Susan Sarandon has never shied away from speaking her mind, and she says it continues to cost her work. In a press conference at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 6, the "Thelma and Louise" star, 79, said her vocal support for Palestine still causes her to lose work in Hollywood. "I've still had movies taken away recently, because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me," she said.
"But that's the power structure. I think [among] the people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome." The Oscar winner went on to say that she faces resistance when it comes to being hired by major studios, adding that people in "very strongly held positions" in the industry have "not relaxed their feelings towards me." Sarandon has long been outspoken in her support of Palestine and advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza, following Hamas' October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which killed at least 1,200 people. Gazan health authorities estimate over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military campaign, with half of Gaza's population facing severe deficiencies in shelter or access to essential services.
In November 2023, she faced criticism after attending a pro-Palestine rally, saying, "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, so often subjected to violence." She later apologized for the comments, clarifying she intended to communicate concern for hate crimes against Jewish Americans but acknowledged her phrasing was incorrect. In 2024, she told *Variety* she had lost work and become estranged from friends and family but gained inspiration from those advocating for humanity. In 2025, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, with Navi Pillay stating Israeli authorities orchestrated a genocidal campaign.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the report, calling it "scandalous." Sarandon alleged she was fired by her agency for speaking out about Gaza and marching, making it impossible to work in Hollywood. She also appeared in films like *Blue Beetle* and *The Six Triple Eight* and was arrested in 2018 during a protest against President Trump’s immigration policy. At the Venice Film Festival, she thanked director Andrea Pallaoro for hiring her despite warnings.
Source: USA Today
