Serge Nivelle
Outspoken actress Susan Sarandon has issued a lengthy apology for her recent controversial comments about the Israel—Hamas conflict at a pro-Palestinian rally last month.
The Academy Award-winning actress, who posted the apology on her Instagram account, began the statement by saying, “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. I had not planned to speak but was invited to take the stage and say a few words.”
Sarandon continued, “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. 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. I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity to the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.”
Sarandon concluded her remarks by stating her continued commitment to “peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people.” She also expressed hope for dialogue and engagement with those with whom she disagrees.
Sarandon had attended a November 17 pro-Palestinian rally in New York City where she drew widespread criticism for a public speech where she said: “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.”
The actress was also dropped by her agency, United Talent Agency.
