Hollywood Stars Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder Detained During Anti-Netanyahu Protest Outside UN

NEW YORK — Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder were among more than 100 demonstrators detained by the New York Police Department (NYPD) during a high-stakes protest outside the United Nations headquarters.

The demonstration coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival to address the UN General Assembly.

The Demonstration and Key Demands

Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the mass sit-in drew hundreds of participants demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Demonstrators blocked traffic on the streets surrounding the UN complex, wearing matching shirts and carrying banners with slogans such as “Fund People, Not Bombs” and “Stop Arming Israel.”

According to law enforcement reports, police issued multiple dispersal warnings over loudspeakers as protesters blocked major intersections and pedestrian pathways. When a large core of demonstrators refused to clear the roadway, the NYPD initiated enforcement actions.

High-Profile Arrests

Officers moved into the crowd, individually detaining participants and securing their hands with zip-ties before escorting them to police transport vehicles.

• Susan Sarandon, 79, a long-time vocal activist known for her prominent stance on international human rights issues, was photographed and filmed being led away by officers.
• Hannah Einbinder, 31, widely recognized for her breakout role in the hit comedy-drama series Hacks, was also among those marched from the protest site.
• Other notable figures detained included local political figures and civil rights advocates, while public figures such as actress Cynthia Nixon joined the demonstration in solidarity.

Simultaneous Friction Inside and Outside

The street-level clashes occurred parallel to intense diplomatic tension inside the United Nations. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium to address the General Assembly, dozens of international delegates staged a walkout in protest of the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

During his speech, Netanyahu defended Israel's military actions and rejected allegations of genocide. Meanwhile, detained activists continued chanting slogans from the streets as police processed the arrests.

Authorities have noted that processing for those detained during the demonstration is ongoing, reflecting the escalating intersection of celebrity activism, geopolitical tensions, and urban law enforcement.