UTA, a major Hollywood agency, has parted ways with Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon due to her controversial remarks suggesting that American Jews are experiencing what it feels like to be a Muslim. A spokesperson from UTA confirmed to Fox News Digital that Sarandon is no longer represented by the agency.
At a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City on November 17, Sarandon made these remarks and encouraged demonstrators to talk to Jewish Americans who feel uncomfortable in light of the increase in antisemitism in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terror attack.
Strong criticism was directed at Sarandon’s remarks, with Muslim American writer and education activist Asra Nomani among those who voiced their disapproval. In her defense of Jewish Americans’ experiences, Nomani emphasized the freedom and opportunities her parents enjoyed in the US as opposed to living in a Muslim nation.
Susan Sarandon (Credits IndieWire)
Concern has been expressed over the problem of growing antisemitism in the US, especially on college campuses. Some celebrities, like as Julianna Margulies of “The Morning Show,” have called on others to utilize their voice and platform in response to the industry’s unwillingness to confront the issue.
A prominent Hollywood agent named Maha Dakhil also left her post as co-head of the film department and as chair of the internal board of Creative Artists Agency. During the Israel-Hamas conflict, Dakhil disseminated social media posts critical of Israel, which prompted this decision.
Later, she expressed regret for the messages, acknowledged the offensive language she had used, and thanked her Jewish friends and coworkers for enlightening her about the consequences of her actions. Dakhil will stay on staff at the agency and continue to work with clients even though she is leaving her leadership position.
