Key Takeaways:
– Hollywood celebrities like Susan Sarandon and Jonathan Glazer face criticism for their comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
– Sarandon was forced to apologize for her statement, which was misinterpreted.
– Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar speech denouncing the conflict was termed “morally indefensible” by the Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation.
Public Backlash for Susan Sarandon After Controversial Remarks
In light of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, many Hollywood celebrities have taken to social media to voice their opinions. However, this has led to immediate pushback from the public. One such celebrity under fire is Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, whose comments found her at the receiving end of significant criticism.
During a New York rally, Sarandon made a controversial statement, saying, “There are a lot of people that are afraid, that are afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence” (Fox News). The comment sparked an outcry, leading to the actress being dropped by her agency.
Susan Sarandon Issues Apology
In response to the backlash, Sarandon apologized through her Instagram page. She admitted that her phrasing was a grave mistake, stating that it was not her intention to imply that Jewish people were strangers to persecution. The actress clarified that her initial concern was the increase in hate crimes. She vowed to continue advocating for “peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people.”
The Israel-Palestine conflict has created fervently divisive opinions, especially with the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas, among Hollywood icons.
Jonathan Glazer Criticized for Oscar Speech
Jonathan Glazer, another influential figure in Hollywood, had his own share of public disapproval. The director’s speech at the Oscars, where he addressed the Israel-Palestine conflict, evoked strong reactions from the US Holocaust Survivors’Foundation.
Glazer, known for his film “The Zone of Interest,” stated at the Oscars, “Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people…”
Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation Slams Glazer’s Speech
His sentiments brought about a severe reaction from the Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation USA, who labelled Glazer’s acceptance speech as “morally indefensible.” An open letter posted on their website by chairman David Schaecter accused Glazer of disgracefully presuming to speak for those murdered in the Holocaust and wrongly utilizing Auschwitz to criticize Israel.
Glazer, along with film producer James Wilson, recently bagged the Oscars for Best International Film for “The Zone of Interest,” a movie showcasing the everyday life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife, Hedwig.
Undoubtedly, Susan Sarandon and Jonathan Glazer are among notable celebrities who have used their platform to voice their thoughts on the Israel-Palestine conflict, illustrating how high-profile figures can contribute to global conversations, both positively and negatively.
