Susan Sarandon Detained at New York UN Protest Weeks After Saying Palestine Support Still Costs Her Film Roles

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon was detained by New York police on Thursday, 24 September, during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the United Nations, just weeks after revealing that her political stance continues to cost her film roles.

The 79-year-old Thelma & Louise star was among those arrested during the demonstration, with organisers Jewish Voice for Peace reporting more than 100 arrests.

Footage showed officers leading Sarandon away in handcuffs as protesters gathered against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance at the UN General Assembly.

Her detention comes 18 days after she publicly described the continuing professional consequences of speaking out in support of Palestinians.

Actors, Activists Arrested During Sit-In

The demonstration, organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, brought together activists, entertainers and elected representatives opposing Netanyahu's visit and calling for an end to US military support for Israel.

Protesters gathered near First Avenue and East 39th Street, blocking traffic while wearing shirts reading 'Jews say Fund People Not Bombs'.

According to organisers, more than 100 demonstrators were arrested during the sit-in, although the New York Police Department had not immediately confirmed a final arrest total.

Sarandon was not the only Hollywood figure taken into custody. Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder and comedian Caleb Hearon were also arrested, alongside author Glennon Doyle, activist Chelsea Manning and actress Debra Winger.

Other entertainment personalities attending the demonstration included Cynthia Nixon, Elliot Page, Sarah Sherman and Boygenius musicians Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker.

The protest coincided with Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly, where dozens of delegates staged a walkout as the Israeli leader approached the podium.

Actress Says Palestine Stance Costs Roles

Sarandon's latest public appearance follows comments she made at the Venice Film Festival on 6 September, where she discussed the professional consequences of her outspoken support for Palestinians.

Speaking while promoting her film The Echo Chamber, she alleged that certain talent agencies continued discouraging filmmakers from hiring her. 'I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,' she told reporters.

Sarandon suggested that resistance remained particularly strong within major Hollywood studios, while expressing gratitude for opportunities outside the American film industry. She specifically thanked director Andrea Pallaoro for casting her in The Echo Chamber, an Italian-Belgian production that premiered at Venice, despite reported warnings against working with her.

The specific films and agencies involved in her allegations have not been independently identified. The actress previously lost representation from United Talent Agency in November 2023 following controversial remarks about Jewish Americans experiencing fear amid rising antisemitism.

She subsequently apologised, acknowledging that her wording had minimised the long history of Jewish persecution and discrimination. Despite those professional setbacks, Sarandon has continued participating in demonstrations and publicly advocating for Palestinian rights.

Hollywood Figures Join New York Demonstration

Einbinder, who has also publicly supported Palestinians, said during the demonstration that she considered speaking out a moral responsibility. Following her detention, the actress posted an Instagram statement urging followers to focus on the humanitarian situation in Gaza rather than the spectacle surrounding the celebrity arrests.

Organisers said approximately 400 people participated in the demonstration, including Jewish, Palestinian, Lebanese and Iranian New Yorkers.

The arrests unfolded as Netanyahu addressed the United Nations amid continued international criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza. Israel has rejected allegations that its actions constitute genocide.

For Sarandon, Thursday's detention marks another public demonstration of her continued involvement in Palestinian advocacy, following her recent disclosure that the issue remains a source of professional repercussions in Hollywood.