Handcuffs, Hollywood, and a UN Protest — Sarandon and Einbinder Detained

**Susan Sarandon and ‘Hacks’ Star Hannah Einbinder Detained While Protesting Netanyahu at UN**

A rally outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Thursday, September 24 saw actress Susan Sarandon and *Hacks* star Hannah Einbinder among a group of demonstrators who were led away in handcuffs by police.

Footage shared on social media shows the pair standing with other protestors as officers escorted them toward a detention area. The incident occurred during a broader demonstration that escalated in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled speech at the General Assembly.

The detained activists were part of a larger protest that also drew Saturday Night Live cast member Sarah Sherman. Clips show police confronting the crowd as they attempted to move past the UN building.

The arrest footage has become a focal point for supporters of Palestinian advocacy and critics of the Israeli government’s conduct in Gaza.

## Background & Context

The United Nations convened its General Assembly on Thursday, during which Netanyahu delivered a speech that sparked international controversy.

During his address, he questioned delegations that had walked out, stating, “Where were you when the Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians?” The remarks intensified tensions among protestors who were already agitated by the conflict that began on October 7, 2023.

A June UN report claimed that 20,000 children had been killed and more than 44,000 injured in the region since that date, underscoring the humanitarian crisis that has drawn global attention.

The protest outside the UN building unfolded amid heightened debate over Israel’s alleged actions in Gaza. Protestors demanded a censure of Israeli policy and called for greater accountability. Clashes between demonstrators and police were widely anticipated, given the politically charged atmosphere surrounding Netanyahu’s appearance.

## What Happened

During the rally, footage shows Sarandon and Einbinder standing with a diverse group of activists before police intervened. Officers approached the demonstrators and began detaining them in handcuffs.

The video, widely circulated on social media, captures the tense exchange between protestors and law enforcement as they were led toward a detention area outside the UN complex. The incident coincided with Netanyahu’s speech, which drew additional scrutiny as delegations walked out in protest.

In the days following the demonstration, US officials and representatives for both actresses were contacted for comment. No statements have yet been released by their agencies or by the New York Police Department regarding the arrests.

Meanwhile, supporters of the protestors have highlighted the broader context of activist engagement at the United Nations.

## Analysis

Both Sarandon and Einbinder have long been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights.

In September 2025, Einbinder closed her Emmy acceptance speech for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series by demanding justice for Palestinians, declaring, “Go Birds [Philadelphia Eagles], f*** ICE, free Palestine.” At the Cannes Film Festival in May, she said, “I follow in the steps of Palestinians who have set the bar, who have always had to be their own advocates.” She added, “I am really pleased to join a tradition of Palestinians and Jewish allies who are committed to being vocal in a time where a lot of people shy away from that.

I follow their lead.”

Sarandon’s activism has also drawn both support and criticism.

In 2026, she revealed at the Venice International Film Festival that she had lost film roles because of her stance on Palestine, stating, “I’ve still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still.” She added that she feels welcomed internationally despite domestic setbacks.

Her earlier comments about Jewish persecution were later clarified in a December 2023 Instagram post: “Recently, I attended a rally alongside a diverse group of activists seeking to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for a censure.

I had not planned to speak but was invited to take the stage and say a few words,” she wrote. “This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true.

As we all know, from centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA, Jews have long been familiar with discrimination and religious violence, which continues to this day.”

The detainment of prominent public figures highlights the ongoing clash between protest movements and law enforcement during international diplomatic events. It also underscores the personal risks faced by artists who use their platforms to address contentious geopolitical issues.

As the United Nations continues to grapple with the Israel‑Palestine conflict, the actions of actors such as Sarandon and Einbinder remind observers that advocacy can intersect sharply with legal and political consequences.