Susan Sarandon has apologized for comments she made during a pro-Palestinian rally last month, where she compared the fears of Jewish people about rising antisemitism to the experiences of Muslims in the country. In an Instagram post, Sarandon acknowledged her mistake in the words she chose and expressed her intention to convey solidarity against bigotry of all kinds.
The actor faced widespread criticism for her comments, and her agency, United Talent Agency, announced that they would no longer be representing her. Sarandon acknowledged that her phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implied that Jews had not experienced persecution in the past, which is not true.
The apology comes at a time when both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents have been on the rise. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 388% increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the same period in 2022 following an attack on Israel by Hamas. Similarly, the Council on American-Islamic Relations reported a 216% increase in Islamophobic incidents compared to the previous year.
Sarandon referred to historical incidents of discrimination and violence against Jews, including the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh in 2018, where 11 people were killed and six others were wounded. She expressed deep regret for diminishing the reality of these experiences and hurting people with her comment.
The actor concluded her apology by reaffirming her commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all. She expressed hope for engaging in dialogue, especially with those she disagrees with.
Sarandon's apology comes after a seven-day pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, which ended with over 700 Palestinian deaths. The apology is seen as part of an ongoing conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for understanding and empathy.
Overall, Sarandon's apology acknowledges her mistake and expresses remorse for the hurt caused by her comments. It remains to be seen how this apology will be received by the public and whether it will have any impact on her career.