Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder were among individuals detained by police in New York on Thursday. The detentions occurred as officers moved to disperse a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Agence France-Presse footage showed NYPD officers detaining Sarandon at the demonstration, which took place as Netanyahu was preparing to address the United Nations general assembly. The New York Post reported that Einbinder was also escorted away from the protest.
The demonstration was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, with protesters displaying banners that read “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide.” An NYPD spokesperson stated that officers responded to an “unscheduled demonstration” where people were blocking an intersection. Warnings were issued, and those who did not comply were taken into custody, though the number of arrests was not provided.
Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City council member Chi Ossé were also among those arrested. Inside the general assembly, dozens of envoys reportedly walked out as Netanyahu began his speech, during which he criticised allies including Britain and France for their recent moves to recognise the state of Palestine.
Sarandon has previously spoken about losing work due to her outspoken views on Israel's war in Gaza, stating at the Venice film festival this month that agencies were advising against hiring her. Einbinder has also commented on the industry backlash, stating that the cost of not speaking up about Palestine is greater than the risk to her career.