Hollywood stars call for protection of pro-Palestinian voices from 'McCarthyist repression'

More than 700 members of a major Hollywood union have demanded their association take a stand to protect pro-Palestinian voices from being blacklisted in the industry.

In an open letter released on Wednesday, actors and entertainment professionals called on the leadership of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) to issue a public statement condemning Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip as well as the industry's "McCarthyist repression of members who acknowledge Palestinian suffering".

“We... demand [our leadership]… to speak out against the targeting and killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, health workers, and our journalist colleagues... and to eliminate any doubt of our solidarity with workers, artists, and oppressed people worldwide,” read the statement, whose signatories include Mark Ruffalo, Cynthia Nixon, Common, Susan Sarandon, Riz Ahmed and Rosie O’Donnell.

The letter adds that SAG-AFTRA shared a statement condemning the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel, but has "remained silent" despite Israel's "clear violations of human rights and Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian land and lives".

Several Hollywood celebrities have come under pressure or been dropped by studios and agencies for criticising Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip.

Read more: Hollywood stars call for protection of pro-Palestinian voices from 'McCarthyist repression'