Susan Sarandon Claims Hollywood 'Blacklisted' Her Over Palestine, Yet Gave Her an Eight-Minute Ovation In Venice

Susan Sarandon says Hollywood may still be punishing her for speaking out in support of Palestinians, but the veteran actress received a very different message in Venice when her latest film was met with an eight-minute ovation.

The Oscar winner claimed that roles had recently been taken away from her because agencies were allegedly telling people not to hire her, arguing that the entertainment industry's power structure had not moved as quickly as public opinion.

Her comments came as she promoted The Echo Chamber at the Venice Film Festival, where she said she had nevertheless found a supportive creative community.

Sarandon Says Film Roles Are Still Being Taken Away

Speaking to reporters in Venice, the 79-year-old actress said her outspoken criticism of Israel's actions during the Gaza war continued to affect her career.

'In terms of the power structure, I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,' Sarandon said.

She argued that attitudes among the wider public had changed significantly, particularly around the relationship between the United States and Israel.

'I think that the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical relevance of Palestine and the ties of Zionists with America and our politics,' she said, pointing to greater public awareness of US financial support for Israel.

Sarandon also said the professional consequences were not limited to her.

Her Palestine Views Sparked Fresh Online Backlash

Sarandon's comments quickly triggered a heated response online, with some social media users attacking her political views and accusing the film industry of favouring controversial causes.

One critic wrote, 'The same Film Industry that is all Pro Hamas, Iran and other Terrorists.'

Another attacked Sarandon personally, calling her an 'old Commie' and a 'Champagne and Caviar Marxist'.

Others focused on her career, with one user writing, 'You haven't made a movie I can remember since Bull Durham,' before dismissing her opinions and telling her to 'go away and be still'.

The backlash highlights the sharp divide surrounding Sarandon's activism. While her critics accuse her of supporting inflammatory positions, Sarandon maintains that her stance on Palestine has cost her professional opportunities.

In Venice, however, the reception suggested her career still has an audience willing to embrace her work. Her eight-minute ovation offered a powerful counterpoint to her claim that parts of Hollywood continue to shut her out.

Her Hollywood Fallout Began After 2023 Remarks

Sarandon's relationship with Hollywood became more complicated in November 2023, when United Talent Agency dropped her following remarks she made at a pro-Palestinian rally.

Among the comments that attracted widespread criticism was her statement that some Jewish Americans were 'getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country'. She later apologised, describing her choice of words as a 'terrible mistake' and acknowledging the history of persecution faced by Jewish people.

Her latest comments suggest she believes the controversy continues to affect her ability to secure major studio work, although her claims about agencies discouraging employers from hiring her have not been independently established.