Susan Sarandon says Hollywood shunned her after calling for Gaza ceasefire

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon says her strong political views, especially her comments calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, have cost her acting opportunities in Hollywood.

She claims that the backlash from the industry has caused roles to dry up in recent years.

Sarandon, a longtime presence in Hollywood known for both her acting and activism, spoke openly about the impact she believes her stance on Middle East policy has had on her career at a press conference in Barcelona.

Susan Sarandon says she was fired by agency over Gaza ceasefire demand

Sarandon told the media that her actions and words had led to her being shunned by Hollywood: “I was fired by my agency, specifically for marching and speaking out about Gaza, for asking for a ceasefire, and it became impossible for me to even be on television.” 

“I don’t know lately if it’s changed, but I couldn’t do any major film, anything connected with Hollywood,” the 'Thelma & Louise' actress shared. 

The 79-year-old said she found new agents in the UK (United Agents) and Italy (Do MGMT) and has largely worked outside the US since then.

Susan Sarandon becomes emotional as she speaks about Gaza

Sarandon became emotional and wiped away tears as she discussed the “strength and moral clarity” of Spain’s government, which has been among the most supportive of Palestine amid the Gaza conflict.

“To see Spain and the president’s support for Gaza, and to have actors like Javier Bardem come forward with such a strong voice, is so important to us in the United States,” the 'Stepmom' actress expressed. 

“I can’t tell you, when you turn on the TV, and you see how strong Spain is, and how clear that you are morally about these issues, it makes you feel less alone, and it makes you feel that there is hope, because you just don’t hear that on TV in the US,” Sarandon said. 

She continued, “When a nation stands up, and I include Ireland in this too, I can’t tell you how very important it is to those of us who are trying — in an atmosphere that is very difficult — when we see that kind of strength and moral clarity, how much it means to us.”

In 2023, Sarandon was dropped by UTA after she spoke at a pro-Palestine rally in New York City.

Sarandon also described ICE in the US as “unconstitutional” and “doing all kinds of illegal things, particularly to Black and Brown people.”

Her comments came during a February 27 discussion ahead of receiving the International Goya Award in recognition of her career, including ‘Dead Man Walking’ and ‘Atlantic City’. 

The Spanish Film Academy’s Goya Awards ceremony is set to take place on February 28 in Barcelona.