Hollywood’s double-standard on Palestine: Why censor one side altogether?
Israel's blatant human rights violations in Gaza, Hollywood appears to be deeply divided. While some speak out against the ongoing violence and the loss of innocent Palestinian lives, others label pro-Palestinian voices as "antisemitic" — referring to hatred toward Jews. As a result, several celebrities — including Melissa Barrera and Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon — have faced backlash from Hollywood studios, with some even being fired or dropped by their agencies for expressing pro-Palestinian sentiments.
Meanwhile, Israeli celebrities such as Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld), Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things), and Amy Schumer (Trainwreck) have continued to voice their support for Israel. Despite criticism and calls for boycotts, these actors have not faced the same level of professional repercussions—an inconsistency some attribute to the influence of allegedly Jewish-owned companies in the entertainment industry.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Awards shows and festivals, including The Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Met Gala, have also faced criticism for their tone-deaf approach to the Palestinian issue, often remaining silent about the injustices faced by Palestine's filmmakers, artistes, and directors.
The Oscars' silence and hypocrisy regarding Palestine is not new. In 2002, Palestine submitted Elia Suleiman's film "Divine Intervention" for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category (now Best International Feature Film). However, the Academy rejected the submission, citing that Palestine was not officially recognised as a country. This decision sparked outrage, especially given that non-sovereign regions like Hong Kong and Puerto Rico had previously been allowed to submit films. The Academy later revised its rules to allow "Divine Intervention" to be considered the following year, though it was ultimately not nominated.
This hypocrisy continued into 2025, when "No Other Land", a film by Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. However, Ballal was detained by the Israeli army on charges of stone-throwing and property damage—allegations that he denied. The Academy faced backlash after CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang refused to comment on his arrest or reported assault. Instead, the Academy issued a general letter condemning harm to artists but did not specifically address Ballal or "No Other Land". This omission drew widespread criticism, including from Ballal's co-director, Yuval Abraham, who publicly condemned the Academy's silence on social media.
A wave of support for Ballal emerged from prominent actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olsen, Joaquin Phoenix, Riz Ahmed, Penélope Cruz, Emma Thompson, Javier Bardem, Richard Gere, and over 500 others. These actors signed an open letter condemning the Academy's failure to directly acknowledge Ballal's situation. The European Film Academy and several international film festivals also expressed support.
At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, organisers' commitment to neutrality was put to the test. They considered allowing Arab filmmakers to wear pins supporting Palestinians in Gaza but ultimately banned these pins, along with pins honouring Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Many argued that this was an example of censorship and inconsistent neutrality, as it restricted political expression. In response, several Palestinian actors boycotted the festival, criticising the inclusion of Israeli films they believed distorted the Palestinian experience.
Amid efforts to suppress Hollywood voices speaking out against Israel's actions in Gaza, Cate Blanchett took a stand in 2023, urging for a ceasefire and greater support for refugees during her address at the European Parliament. "I'm neither Israeli nor Palestinian. I'm not a politician or a commentator," she said. "But I am a witness. And after seeing firsthand the human toll of war, violence, and persecution while meeting refugees from around the world, I cannot turn a blind eye."
At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Blanchett's outfit made waves, sparking speculation that it symbolized the Palestinian flag. She wore a dramatic black gown by Jean Paul Gaultier, which featured a green inner lining. When she lifted the train of the dress, the olive-green lining became visible, a detail reminiscent of the Palestinian flag.
Model Bella Hadid also made a statement at Cannes by wearing a dress made from red and white keffiyeh fabric, a textile traditionally associated with Palestinian heritage and resistance.
In contrast, the 2024 Met Gala—an annual event supporting the Costume Institute—was notably silent on political issues. This absence of political statements was widely criticised, with users on social media calling out celebrities who remained silent on Gaza. The backlash led to the "Celebrity Block List" or "Blockout 2024" campaign, which encouraged users to unfollow celebrities who had failed to speak out. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Beyoncé, and Rihanna were targeted, with some losing substantial numbers of followers.
David Clennon, an Emmy-winning actor and longtime supporter of Palestinian rights, told The Guardian via email:
"Other actors, writers, and industry employees have been fired or threatened for criticizing the ideology and practice of Zionism. Yet these same criticisms are voiced by Israeli intellectuals and political activists. It's ironic that there is more open debate about Zionism in Israel than is allowed in Hollywood."
The clearest example of this divide can be seen in Hollywood's treatment of actors like Barrera and Sarandon.
In 2023, Mexican actress Melissa Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter in "Scream V" and "Scream VI", was fired from "Scream VII" by production company Spyglass Media after publicly supporting Palestine. Shortly after, actress Jenna Ortega and director Christopher Landon also exited the project. Although Variety reported that Ortega's departure was "apparently not influenced" by Barrera's firing, Ortega later revealed that she had been deeply hurt by the incident.
Spyglass Media stated that Barrera was fired for making antisemitic remarks. The company said, "We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."
Barrera, who condemned what she described as genocide, criticised Western media coverage of the conflict, stating that "Western media only shows" the Israeli side, adding, "Why do they do that? I'll let you deduce for yourself." Some interpreted this as echoing antisemitic statements about Jewish control of the media.
Spyglass Media Group—co-founded by Jewish producers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum in 1998—later severed ties with Barrera. Netizens accused the company of acting based on its founders' Jewish backgrounds, calling for a boycott of the studio.
Powerful figures in Hollywood appear to have the freedom to label attacks against Israel as 'terrorism', but when Barrera accused Israel of ethnic cleansing, she was called antisemitic.
Following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, several Hollywood figures, including Spyglass CEO Gary Barber, signed an open letter expressing solidarity with Israel. The letter read: "We unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel in the global fight against terrorism." Shortly after, on October 13, Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden sent a memo to employees describing the attacks as "the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust." Similarly, the Directors Guild of America issued a statement strongly condemning the Hamas attacks and affirming its support for the Jewish community.
Currently, the Israeli government has suspended all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a new ceasefire proposal, leaving women and children to endure immense suffering in the conflict-ravaged region. Isn't it ironic how Hollywood big names are quiet about that?
A similar double standard was evident in the case of Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon. In 2023, she was dropped by United Talent Agency after attending a pro-Palestinian rally, where she stated that American Jews experiencing fear amid rising antisemitism were "getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country."
In a November 2024 interview with the UK's Sunday Times, Sarandon revealed she had been effectively blacklisted in Hollywood due to her outspoken support for Palestine. At the protest, she declared, "None of us are free until Palestine is free," and added, "The liberation of Palestine is the liberation of all people." These remarks prompted her agency to sever ties and led to the cancellation of multiple projects.
Speaking to The Times, Sarandon said her manager also ended their professional relationship, leaving her without access to major studio roles. "I was let go by my agency, and my projects were canceled," she said.
She described her experience as part of a larger trend of silencing pro-Palestinian voices in the entertainment industry. "Since last November, many people have lost their jobs—just for liking a tweet or calling for a ceasefire," she noted, underscoring what she sees as an environment of censorship in Hollywood.
When asked about her future in mainstream cinema, Sarandon expressed uncertainty: "I don't know. I don't expect anything from Hollywood."
At the time, UTA's co-founder and CEO, Jeremy Zimmer—who is Jewish—had publicly addressed issues of antisemitism. Some speculated that this played a role in the agency's decision to drop Sarandon.
Gal Gadot has been one of Hollywood's most outspoken supporters of Israel. Before rising to fame, the actress completed her mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where she served as a combat instructor.
Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Gadot posted a series of Instagram Stories condemning the violence. In one post, she wrote: "I stand with Israel, you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!" She continued: "At least 250 Israelis have been murdered and dozens of women, children, and elders held as hostages in Gaza by Palestinian militant group Hamas. Since early morning, more than 3,000 rockets were fired. Hamas is holding hostages, controlling bases and settlements in Israel. Over 1,500 have been injured, and heavy fighting is still ongoing."
On October 12, as Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza, Gadot posted again: "Killing innocent Palestinians is horrific. Killing innocent Israelis is horrific. If you don't feel the same, I think you should ask yourself why that is." The post drew criticism from some Israelis who viewed it as overly critical of Israel. Israeli radio personality Ofira Asayag publicly told Gadot to "sit down and stay quiet." Gadot later deleted the post and issued an apology.
Since that post, Gadot has become a prominent public face of the pro-Israel narrative. She reportedly helped host a private screening of Bearing Witness, a film compiled by the IDF that included graphic footage from the October 7 attacks, in November 2023. The screening, which Gadot did not attend due to security concerns, was held for a curated group of Hollywood executives and dignitaries. Her husband, producer Yaron Varsano, and director Guy Nattiv attended in her place.
The event faced backlash, especially after a clash between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators erupted outside, resulting in physical altercations and the use of pepper spray.
Since her October 12 Instagram post, Gadot has not publicly addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She has avoided using terms like "Palestinians," "Palestine," or "Gaza" in interviews or on social media.
Gadot's latest film, "Snow White", was banned in Lebanon by the country's Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, citing her involvement. A spokesperson for Italia Films, Disney's Middle East distributor, clarified that Gadot has long been on Lebanon's boycott list, and according to Variety, none of her films have ever screened in the country.
While Gadot took a relatively restrained tone, other celebrities like Amy Schumer, Michael Rapaport, Jerry Seinfeld, and Noah Schnapp made more overtly controversial statements.
Noah Schnapp faced backlash after appearing in a photo with people holding "Zionism is sexy" stickers. This followed an earlier post where he expressed heartbreak over the Hamas attacks and emphasized a desire for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, urging unity against terrorism rather than division.
Michael Rapaport, at a pro-Israel rally outside Columbia University in April, referred to pro-Palestinian demonstrators as "bullies," adding that such behavior would not be tolerated if directed at other communities.
Amy Schumer drew criticism after sharing a satirical cartoon mocking American pro-Palestinian rhetoric, including offensive slogans. After actress Asia Jackson publicly objected, Schumer defended herself, asking if her posts about attacks on her community were the source of offense. She later revised her stance and voiced support for a ceasefire as the Gaza conflict escalated.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld also sparked controversy. At a Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary event, an anti-Israel activist known as 'Subway DJ' used a selfie opportunity to say "Free Palestine" and flash a peace sign. Seinfeld responded curtly: "I don't care about Palestine," before walking away.
Earlier, during a June 2024 comedy show in Australia, Seinfeld confronted a heckler who shouted, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Seinfeld responded sarcastically: "We have a genius, ladies and gentlemen. He solved the Middle East!"
Amid the ongoing conflict, two Hollywood groups emerged after the October 7 Hamas attack: The Brigade, a pro-Israel collective of over 700 publicists, producers, and executives, and Artists4Ceasefire, a group of 550+ artists advocating for an end to the war.
The Brigade has organised screenings of raw footage from the attacks to rally support for Israel. In contrast, Artists4Ceasefire calls for a permanent ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. While both promote peace, The Brigade is seen as pro-Israel, whereas Artists4Ceasefire aligns more with Palestinian civilian concerns.
Artists4Ceasefire consists of popular names like Ben Affleck, Cate Blanchett, Joaquin Phoenix, Andrew Garfield, Ariana Grande, Riz Ahmed, Bradley Cooper, and Mark Ruffalo, amongst others.
Hollywood often prides itself on promoting free speech—but that freedom seems to come with conditions. Speaking out is only safe if it aligns with the mainstream view. So the real question is: will Hollywood ever truly practice the values it so often preaches?
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