Hannah Einbinder Sparks Emmy Controversy with “Free Palestine” Speech
Hannah Einbinder shocked viewers at the 77th Emmy Awards when she ended her acceptance speech with a political message. The Hacks star won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and used her moment on stage to make a statement.
The actress concluded her speech by saying “Go Birds, f**k ICE, and free Palestine.” Emmy organizers censored part of her message, bleeping out her anti-ICE comments during the live broadcast.
Speech Goes Viral Online
Einbinder’s politically charged acceptance speech quickly gained attention across social media platforms. The moment sparked intense debate online with supporters praising her courage and critics questioning the appropriateness of her comments at an entertainment event.
The speech cost Einbinder $10,000 in fines for going over her allotted time limit. Despite the financial penalty, the actress stood by her decision to speak out on issues she considers important.
Actress Explains Her Position
Einbinder later explained that her decision to say “Free Palestine” came from her belief that, as a Jewish person, she has a responsibility to distinguish Judaism from the Israeli state. She stated: “It’s my obligation to distinguish Jews from the State of Israel.”
The comedian emphasized that her comments supported the humanity of people in Gaza rather than targeting Jewish communities. She wanted to show that Jewish identity and Israeli government policies are separate issues.
Mixed Reactions from Jewish Community
Some Jewish activists criticized Einbinder’s speech. Actor Yuval David called it “a performance of ignorance, not courage,” noting she said nothing about peace or hostages in Gaza.
However, Einbinder has been outspoken about her support for Palestine before, expressing her horror about the situation in the region. This Emmy moment was not her first public statement on the issue.
Impact on Her Career
The speech drew attention from other celebrities, with comedian Ricky Gervais initially posting critical comments before later deleting them. The controversy continues to generate discussion about celebrities using award shows as platforms for political messages.
Einbinder’s bold statement reflects a growing trend of entertainers speaking out on political issues during major events. Her willingness to face criticism and financial penalties shows her commitment to the causes she believes in.
The actress maintains that using her platform to address humanitarian concerns aligns with her values as both a performer and a Jewish person.