Susan Sarandon Claims Hollywood Is Still Punishing Her Over Palestine Support Nearly Three Years After UTA Split

American actress Susan Sarandon has claimed she is still losing movie roles because of her outspoken support for Palestinians, nearly three years after she was dropped by talent agency UTA following controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally.

The Oscar-winning actress, 79, made the claim at the Venice Film Festival while promoting her latest film, The Echo Chamber. Sarandon said movies had recently been 'taken away' from her and alleged that some agencies were continuing to discourage people from hiring her, despite what she sees as a broader shift in public attitudes towards Palestine.

Movies Are Still Being 'Taken Away'

Sarandon told reporters that her political activism continued to have professional consequences within the film industry.

'I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,' she said. 'But that's the power structure. I think [among] people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome.'

The Thelma & Louise star suggested the resistance was particularly pronounced when major Hollywood studios were involved.

'If it is a major studio, I think it's not just with me but with other people who have been told that that is impossible,' she said.

Sarandon did not identify the agencies, studios or film projects allegedly involved, and her claims have not been independently verified.

Why UTA Dropped Susan Sarandon in 2023

Sarandon was dropped by United Talent Agency in November 2023 after comments she made while attending a pro-Palestinian rally, weeks after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October and the start of the war in Gaza.

'There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country,' Sarandon said at the time.

She later apologised, saying the wording was 'a terrible mistake' and acknowledging that it implied Jewish people had previously been strangers to persecution and discrimination.

Sarandon, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking, has continued to speak publicly about Palestinians since the controversy.

Susan Sarandon Says Palestine Debate Has Shifted

At Venice, Sarandon argued that public understanding of Palestine, Israel and US policy had changed significantly since 2023.

'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.

US opinion polling has documented shifting attitudes towards Israel and Palestinians during the Gaza war, although views vary considerably by political affiliation, age and other factors.

Sarandon contrasted those changes with what she described as continuing resistance within parts of Hollywood.

Palestine Debate Reaches Venice Film Festival

The Gaza war has also become an issue at this year's Venice Film Festival, where activists have called on organisers to raise the Palestinian flag in recognition of Palestinian directors whose work is being screened.

Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera said organisers could not do so because Italy does not formally recognise the State of Palestine. He instead pointed to films in the festival programme depicting the experiences of ordinary Palestinians.

Sarandon Promotes 'The Echo Chamber' at Venice

Sarandon is attending Venice for The Echo Chamber, directed by Andrea Pallaoro and adapted from the final screenplay by Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci.

She plays an ageing singer who hires a music producer recovering from drug addiction to help create a comeback album.

Sarandon thanked Pallaoro for casting her despite what she described as industry resistance, telling reporters: 'I found my family, I found my people and I'm OK.'

The Echo Chamber is one of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion, which is due to be presented on 12 September.