Susan Sarandon Claims Hollywood Blacklisting Over Israel Stance

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon stated at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday that she is losing professional opportunities in the American film industry due to her comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sarandon, who attended the festival for the premiere of her new film "The Echo Chamber," told reporters that agencies are advising against casting her. "Roles have been taken away from me recently because there are agencies that instruct not to cast me," she said.

Sarandon noted that while she faces difficulties with major studios, she receives support from international audiences and in independent projects. She thanked Italian director Andrea Pallaoro for casting her in the lead role despite what she described as "warnings" he received. The actress believes there is a gap between the understanding of the historical situation by the general public in the United States and the views of influential figures in the film industry.

She also referenced the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last July. Sarandon claimed this legislation leads to "the integration of the U.S. military with the IDF," a claim based on a clause expanding technological and security cooperation between the two countries, which is subject to interpretive debate. Sarandon parted ways with the UTA talent agency in 2023 following her participation in pro-Palestinian rallies and has spoken previously about the reduction in job offers she receives.