Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon claimed Sunday that she continues to lose acting opportunities in Hollywood because of her outspoken criticism of Israel's war in Gaza, saying that "Zionists" within the entertainment industry remain opposed to hiring her, AFP reported.
Sarandon made the comments at the Venice Film Festival, where she is appearing in the Italian film "The Echo Chamber." Speaking at a press conference, the veteran actress said public understanding of the Gaza war and US support for Israel had "completely changed."
"There's a lot of things that people are aware of now," Sarandon said, referring to the extent of American financial and military assistance to Israel.
Despite what she described as a shift in public opinion, Sarandon said she continues to face professional consequences.
"I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still. But that's the power structure," she said.
"I think there has been a change in terms of the understanding of the situation and the general public, but there are still very strongly held positions within my industry that are held by Zionists and who have not relaxed their feelings towards me."
"But I found my family, I found my people, and I'm okay," she added to applause.
Sarandon, best known for films including "Thelma & Louise" and "Dead Man Walking," was dropped by United Talent Agency in November 2023 following controversial comments she made at a pro-Palestinian Arab rally in New York.
At the rally, held after the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in southern Israel, Sarandon addressed fears experienced by Jews amid a surge in antisemitism.
"There are a lot of people that are afraid, afraid to be 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 said.
She also joined participants in the chant, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," which is widely viewed as a call for the elimination of Israel. Sarandon later apologized for her remarks.
Sarandon has remained one of Hollywood's most prominent pro-Palestinian Arab activists and critics of Israel's conduct of the Gaza war. Her comments have come as numerous other figures in the entertainment industry have signed open letters criticizing Israel's actions during the conflict.