Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon detained during protest before Netanyahu speech
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Actresses Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were detained by police in New York City on 24 September whilst protesting outside the U.N. General Assembly ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech. Images of the actors being led away in handcuffs circulated on social media before Netanyahu began speaking. Both have been outspoken critics of Israeli politics and vocal supporters of Palestine, though it remains unclear whether they were arrested or simply detained.
Einbinder and Sarandon have previously discussed the professional consequences of their activism. At Cannes, Einbinder stated that she believes speaking out is an obligation, asserting that "the cost of not speaking is higher" than any impact to her career. Sarandon disclosed at the Venice Film Festival that her public stance has resulted in film roles being withdrawn, with agencies actively advising against hiring her, though she reported feeling welcome internationally among the public.
- Actresses detained whilst protesting Netanyahu's U.N. speech on 24 September
- Both face career consequences for supporting Palestine publicly
- Einbinder and Sarandon say activism is a moral obligation despite personal costs
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Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon are established actresses who have made public statements opposing Israeli government policies and expressing support for Palestinians. The United Nations General Assembly brought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to New York to address the international body, which prompted protests from people opposed to Israeli actions and policies.
Both actresses have been vocal about their political positions in interviews and public appearances, and they chose to protest outside the venue where Netanyahu was set to speak. The detention of public figures at a political protest draws attention to broader questions about activism, free speech, and the visibility of dissent at high-profile international events.
The actresses have previously acknowledged that their outspoken activism carries professional costs. Sarandon has stated that her public stance has led to job offers being withdrawn and agents advising against hiring her, whilst Einbinder has discussed the trade-offs of speaking out on controversial issues. Their actions reflect a choice that some activists make to prioritise their political convictions despite potential consequences to their careers.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Peaceful protest is a democratic right that democracies should protect rather than suppress, and the decision by these public figures to speak conscience on serious moral matters exemplifies the civic courage such societies depend upon. When authorities detain peaceful protesters, it sends a chilling signal that dissent is unwelcome. The personal costs of speaking up—professional consequences, arrest—are precisely what make dissent meaningful and democratic.
The case against
Major diplomatic events require practical security arrangements and restricted protest zones to function safely; these constraints are not arbitrary suppression. When activists deliberately engage in civil disobedience, they are intentionally choosing to accept legal consequences as part of their protest message—this is not an injustice but the expected outcome of knowingly breaking rules. Democratic societies need both free speech and rule of law, and maintaining both sometimes requires limiting where protest occurs.
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Originally published by Variety as “Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon Detained by Police While Protesting Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech at the U.N.”.