Hannah Einbinder made headlines at the Emmy Awards on Sunday night after her emotional acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy. The actress, known for her role in "Hacks," used the moment to voice her political beliefs, calling out ICE and shouting “Free Palestine.” She later expressed her Jewish identity and criticized Israel, accusing the government of genocide against Palestinians.
In her speech, Einbinder declared, “Go Birds, F*** ICE and Free Palestine.” This bold statement quickly caught the attention of viewers and sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Earlier this year, she had emphasized the distinction between Jews and the Israeli government when she accepted the Human Rights Council’s “Visibility Award.” During that speech, she expressed horror at what she described as a massacre of Palestinians in Gaza, a claim that has faced significant scrutiny and debate.
Einbinder’s comments didn’t go unnoticed. Critics took to Twitter to express their disapproval. One user remarked that any Jewish actress supporting what they termed as terrorists in Gaza lacks a moral compass. Another criticized her for missing the chance to call for peace and the release of hostages, instead opting for slogans.
This incident echoes a sentiment voiced by comedian Ricky Gervais during the 2020 Golden Globes. He advised winners not to use their platform for political speeches, suggesting that many celebrities are out of touch with real-world issues. Despite this, Einbinder’s speech reflects a growing trend among celebrities who use their visibility to advocate for political causes.
The reactions to Einbinder’s speech highlight a divide in public opinion about the intersection of celebrity and activism. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how such moments will shape future award ceremonies and the messages delivered on these high-profile stages.
