Susan Sarandon Apologizes For Comments At A Pro-Palestinian Rally Deemed Antisemitic

Actress Susan Sarandon has apologized for comments she made a pro-Palestinian on November 17.

“There are a lot of people that are afraid, that are 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,” Sarandon told the crowd. “People are questioning, people are standing up, people are educating themselves, people are stepping away from the brainwashing that started when they were kids.”

Her statement received a great deal of criticism for being antisemitic.

Former UN speechwriter Aviva Klompas responded on X: “When Susan Sarandon said that Jews ‘are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country,’ she was saying that American Jews have it coming – that we don’t deserve to live free from harassment and assault.”

Sarandon was dropped as a client by the United Talent Agency after the speech.

The actress posted an image on Instagram, which was a screenshot of an apology statement in which she tried to explain that she was only trying to share concern for the rise of hate crimes.

“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,” Sarandon stated. “I had not planned to speak but was invited to take the stage and say a few words.”

“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.’ This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution when the opposite is true,” she went on to say.

“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,” the actress 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.”

She ended her statement with this declaration: “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.”