Actress Susan Sarandon has issued an apology for her controversial comments made at a pro-Palestinian demonstration, which ultimately led to her being dropped by her talent agency. In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, Sarandon expressed deep regret for diminishing the reality of discrimination and hurting people with her comment. She acknowledged that it was a "terrible mistake" to claim that Jewish Americans were only now experiencing a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in the country, in the wake of the Israel massacre on October 7.

Sarandon clarified that her intention was to highlight the increase in hate crimes and show solidarity against bigotry. She emphasized that she did not mean to imply that Jews have been strangers to persecution, as they have a long history of discrimination and religious violence. Sarandon referenced the centuries of oppression and genocide faced by Jews in Europe, as well as the recent Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where 11 people were killed in an antisemitic attack.

The actress publicly admonished herself, apologizing once again for diminishing the reality of discrimination and hurting people with her comment. She expressed her regret for failing to show solidarity in the struggle against all forms of bigotry. Sarandon's original controversial remarks were made in front of a large pro-Palestinian crowd in Manhattan's Union Square on November 17, during a protest against the Israel-Hamas War. Despite not being scheduled to speak, she was given a microphone and addressed the crowd, sparking intense backlash, even from some of the individuals she intended to support.

Muslim American writer and education activist Asra Nomani strongly criticized Sarandon's speech, urging her not to minimize the experiences of Jewish Americans and to understand the challenges faced by Muslims living in Muslim countries. Nomani challenged Sarandon to live as a Muslim woman in a Muslim country, suggesting that she would then appreciate the freedoms and opportunities America offers to Muslims. Sarandon's remarks also led to her agency, United Talent Agency (UTA), dropping her as a client shortly after she made her comments.

The Academy Award-winning actress, known for her activism and outspokenness on progressive and left-wing causes, immediately faced widespread criticism for her remarks. Antisemitic incidents and Islamophobic attacks have been on the rise in New York City, on college campuses, and online since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Sarandon, 77, has had a long and successful career, having appeared in iconic films such as "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Bull Durham," and "Thelma & Louise." She has also recently been seen in the Showtime series “Ray Donovan” and the DC Comics movie "Blue Beetle."

Sarandon's apology reflects her regret and understanding of the impact her words had on others. It remains to be seen how this incident will affect her career moving forward.