NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In the wake of criticism following her remarks at a pro-Palestine rally, the 77-year-old Susan Sarandon issued an apology on December 1 via Instagram, acknowledging her statement as a "terrible mistake" and expressing deep regret for "hurting people."
She made the controversial remarks in a November 17 pro-Palestine rally in New York City, where she stated that those "afraid to be Jewish" in the US are "getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence."
According to Deadline, Sarandon was dropped by her Hollywood representative, United Talent Agency, led by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer, after her controversial comments amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. UTA has been representing the Academy Award winner since 2014.
Susan Sarandon 'deeply regrets' diminishing the persecution faced by Jews
Sarandon said the rally aimed "to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for a ceasefire." She said she had no plans to speak at the rally but was invited to the stage "to 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 a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.'"
'Thelma & Louise' star admitted the phrase she used was a "terrible mistake" that mistakenly implied 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 in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so," the actress said.
She concluded her apology by saying she will continue her "commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people" and hopes to "engage in dialogue" with people with different views "with love and willingness."
Internet is skeptical of Susan Sarandon's apology
Internet has a mixed reaction to the 'Stepmom' actress's apology. Many believe that she is not genuine as she took nearly two weeks to issue regret on the statement, and the only reason for a late apology might be because UTA dropped her.
One user said, "Apologizing because she received backlash, not because she meant it."
Another user opined, "Susan Sarandon, Cynthia Nixon, Angelina Jolie, Gigi Hadid should go back to school and just learn some history. Plus the only reason why Susan Sarandon is saying that she is sorry is because she was fired and no one wants to represent her. I don’t believe that she is really sorry."
"Only because it hurt her career," noted a third user.
A fourth user stated, "She doesn’t think it was a mistake, it is just probably impacting her bottom line now."
Contrary to others, one user said the actress' apology was genuine. Their tweet read, "susan sarandon waiting almost two weeks to apologize says something when you read between the lines. it’s not about being dropped by her agency, it’s about taking time to reflect and listen to what people were saying. she didn’t apologize to save face like julianna margulies did."
While another user stated, "Public figures from the entertainment business should stay neutral about politics and international conflicts."
