Susan Sarandon Says Comment About American Jews Was 'A Terrible Mistake'

Hollywood star Susan Sarandon apologized for her comment about Jews in America. The actress expressed regret, acknowledged historical discrimination against Jews, and pledged to continue promoting humanitarian values.

Known for political activism, Sarandon has a history of involvement in protests against the Iraq War and Trump administration policies.

Sarandon is addressing the aftermath of her controversial comments during a pro-Palestinian rally that resulted in her talent agency dropping her last month.

In a statement shared on Instagram on Friday, the 77-year-old actress acknowledged her remarks at the November 17 rally in New York City and apologized for suggesting that American Jews were "getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country."

"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 said.

She 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."

Sarandon acknowledged historical discrimination against Jews, adding: "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."

The statement concluded with the "Blue Beetle" actress pledging to continue promoting humanitarian values. "I will continue my commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people. I hope that we can meet with love and willingness to engage in dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree," she concluded.

Sarandon initially made her controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally in Manhattan's Union Square on November 17, during protests against the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.

Her comments drew criticism, including from Muslim American writer Asra Nomani, who expressed concerns about minimizing the experiences of Jewish Americans.

Taking to X, Nomani criticized the Hollywood star, writing: "Please don't minimize the experience of Jewish Americans by sanitizing the hell that it is for Muslims living in Muslim countries and vilifying America for the life — and freedoms — she offers Muslims like my family."

She added: Go, live like a Muslim woman in a Muslim country. You will come back to America and kiss the land beneath your feet."

Another user agreed with Nomani, writing: "Since Lebanon is a Christian country and the Muslim community that lived there were freer than any other place. They had the choice to wear the hijab and they had a choice not to wear it. She doesn't understand how lucky we are in this country to have such freedoms."

In a separate post, Nomani invited Sarandon to engage in dialogue with Muslim reformers and ex-Muslims, writing: "Well, I invite Sarandon to meet with Muslim reformers and ex-Muslims, like @YasMohammedxx @SoooMD @Raheelraza @DrZuhdiJasser and me and actually 'engage in dialogue.' We most certainly disagree with her alliance with Islamists and anti-Jew, anti-American haters. For our part, our family will continue to embrace this nation and her people who have so embraced us."

Sarandon is known for her extensive history of political activism, as she emerged as a prominent anti-war advocate during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and maintained a vocal stance against Donald Trump throughout his presidency.

The "Shall We Dance?" star's commitment to activism was evident in 2018 when she was arrested during a Women's March protest in Washington DC, opposing the Trump administration's immigration policy.

Additionally, earlier this year, Sarandon faced arrest again at a protest held at the New York State Capitol in Albany, advocating for fair wages for restaurant workers.