Susan Sarandon Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Protest Near UN Headquarters
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon was arrested Thursday, September 24, during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the United Nations in New York City. The protest, one of the largest in the city this year, saw Hollywood A-listers and City Council members join demonstrators demanding the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was scheduled to address the UN General Assembly. According to the New York Post, citing law enforcement sources, Sarandon was among dozens taken into custody as NYPD officers cleared First Avenue. Dozens were zip-tied on First Avenue as the protest turned into a mass arrest scene. Police said demonstrators were warned to leave before those who remained were taken into custody.
In a lengthy statement shared on her Instagram stories on Friday, September 25, Sarandon emphasized that despite the attention generated by images of her detention, focus should remain on Palestinians. She wrote, “I don’t know lately if it’s changed, [but] I couldn’t do any major film, anything connected with Hollywood.” She added, “If it’s a major studio, I think there is, not just with me, but with other people…” Her remarks highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by those who speak out on the issue.
The protest comes amid a fragile ceasefire agreed to by Israel and Hamas last October, which halted the heaviest of the fighting and led to the release of remaining hostages. However, further steps have since stalled. Israel maintains control of most of Gaza and continues to carry out airstrikes on Palestinians near military-held zones. The demonstration outside the UN was part of a broader call for action against Netanyahu, who faces allegations of war crimes. The arrest of Sarandon and others underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the conflict and the growing involvement of public figures in activism.
Sarandon’s arrest has drawn significant media attention, but she insists the spotlight should be on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As protests continue worldwide, the incident near UN headquarters serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and passionate advocacy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The actress’s statement and her arrest have sparked conversations about celebrity activism and the consequences of taking a public stance on controversial issues.
Shimanta Das 
