United Talent Agency Ends Relationship with Susan Sarandon Over Statements on Israel-Hamas Conflict
United Talent Agency ends partnership with Susan Sarandon over her contentious remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to her exclusion from the agency
Susan Sarandon. Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Pomellato
UTA has cut ties with Susan Sarandon following her controversial comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter on November 21 that they no longer represent the 77-year-old Oscar winner. Sarandon has not yet publicly addressed the situation, and both she and UTA have not responded to requests for comment from We.
Sarandon drew attention with her speech at a pro-Palestine rally in New York City on Friday, November 17.
She told the crowd, "There are many people who are afraid to be Jewish at this time and are experiencing what it is like to be a Muslim in this country, often facing violence," as reported by the New York Post's obtained video.
Muslim American journalist Asra Nomani criticized Sarandon's remarks, urging her not to diminish the struggles of Jewish Americans while demonizing America and its freedoms for Muslims. Nomani challenged Sarandon to live as a Muslim woman in a Muslim country before judging and to appreciate the opportunities and freedoms America provides.
After her collaboration with UTA came to an end, Sarandon's longstanding relationship with the agency, which dated back to 2014, ceased. Prior to this, she had been under the representation of ICM Partners.
Various actors, comedians, and musicians joined Sarandon in speaking out about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Notable figures including Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Gigi Hadid, and many others penned an open letter to President Joe Biden urging for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, which was initiated by the terrorist group Hamas. The letter, which was also signed by stars such as Rachel McAdams, Oscar Isaac, and Ben Affleck, called for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in the region in order to prevent further loss of life. The petition emphasizes the sanctity of all life, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and condemns the killing of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
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The group urged global leaders to stop the bombing in Gaza, ensure the safe release of all hostages, and urgently deliver humanitarian aid to the region in order to honor all lives in the Holy Land. The letter ended with celebrities expressing their grief for those impacted by the war and their wish to prevent further bloodshed.
