Movie star Susan Sarandon and Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder were detained by the New York Police Department on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, during an unscheduled demonstration organized by Jewish Voice for Peace against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Agence France-Presse footage, officers cuffed Sarandon and marched her away from the protest site while Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly. The New York Post reported that Einbinder was similarly taken into custody after demonstrators blocked a city intersection despite multiple warnings from the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau to disperse.
Arrests and Protests Outside the United Nations General Assembly
The demonstration drew crowds holding banners with messages including “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide,” staging a sit-in on New York streets. A spokesperson for the NYPD stated that officers responded to reports of an unscheduled protest blocking traffic. Members of the Community Affairs Bureau issued warnings advising participants to leave the intersection. When individuals failed to comply with those orders, police moved in and took multiple participants into custody, though the NYPD did not release a specific arrest total.
The protests coincided with diplomatic friction inside the UN building. While Netanyahu delivered a speech before the General Assembly, dozens of envoys from across the world walked out of the room. During his address, the Israeli prime minister criticized international allies and adversaries alike, taking explicit aim at Britain and France for recent steps those nations took to recognize the state of Palestine. Netanyahu told the assembly that nations accusing Israel of colonialism were hypocritical, noting that Britain and France were the ones who invented the term.
Career Impact of Outspoken Political Stances
Susan Sarandon is no stranger to activism regarding the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, having participated in prior demonstrations. However, her public stance has carried professional consequences within the entertainment industry. Speaking to journalists at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, the actress behind Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Witches of Eastwick revealed that her political views have cost her employment.
Sarandon stated during the festival that agencies have advised people not to hire her, pointing to entrenched power structures within Hollywood. While she noted a shift in public understanding regarding the situation in Gaza, she asserted that strongly held positions among industry Zionists have not relaxed. Despite losing recent film projects, Sarandon expressed resilience, telling reporters that she has found her community and remains at peace with her choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder arrested in New York?
The actresses were detained by the NYPD for participating in an unscheduled demonstration organized by Jewish Voice for Peace that blocked a New York City intersection near the United Nations while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to speak.
What organization organized the protest where the arrests occurred?
The demonstration was organized by the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants carrying banners reading “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide.”
How did international diplomats react to Netanyahu’s UN speech?
Dozens of envoys from various countries walked out of the General Assembly room as Netanyahu began his address, during which he criticized nations like Britain and France for moving to recognize a Palestinian state.
What did Susan Sarandon say about her career at the Venice Film Festival?
Sarandon stated that she has lost recent film work because agencies advised employers not to hire her due to her outspoken activism regarding Gaza, though she added that she has found a supportive community.