Daily Mail Susan Sarandon’s staunch pro-Palestine views has caused tension between her and The Fabulous Four co-stars Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, sources say By KAREN RUIZ May 31, 2024
DailyMail.com can reveal that Susan Sarandon‘s hardline support for Palestine has caused drama behind the scenes of her upcoming film, The Fabulous Four.
Tensions have flared between the actress and her co-stars, including Jewish actress Bette Midler, and the studio, who are ‘furious’ and unimpressed with her continued staunch pro-Palestine activism that has already landed her in hot water in recent months, according to close sources.
The comedy film, which stars Sarandon, Midler, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, is set to be released on July 26, by Bleecker Street.
The plot will follow three longtime friends who travel to Key West, Florida to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding for their other close pal, played by Midler.
But despite playing a group of loving gal pals on screen, insiders tell DailyMail.com that the relationship between Sarandon and her co-stars was fraught on set after she persisted with her controversial campaign following her previous anti-Semitic remarks.
‘Bleecker Street is furious at Susan for the way she’s been carrying on. So is Bette, who is a proud Jew and hates what Susan is doing,’ a film insider told DailyMail.com.how.
‘Sheryl is upset at her, too, as is Megan Mullally. The whole crew and cast are. It’s a mess.
‘Her co-stars are disappointed that so many people worked so hard on it, and now Susan is ruining it for everybody.’
Sarandon has made headlines in recent months for her participation in several anti-Israel protests since Hamas’s terror attack on Israeli civilians on October 7.
She drew widespread outrage in the weeks following the bombing when she claimed Jewish people were ‘getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.’
The Thelma and Louise star later apologized for her remarks but has since carried on with her public anti-Israel stance.
The drama surrounding her controversial views eventually carried over to the set, where the atmosphere became so frosty that, according to the source, the 77-year-old actress was even isolated from the rest of her co-stars.
Despite the tension, there were ‘no confrontations’ between the four, but the crew was told to keep Sarandon ‘separate from the others.’
‘Bette gave her the cold shoulder. The others, including Sheryl, were not thrilled with her either,’ said the insider.
‘Susan always had a crew member watching over to make sure she didn’t sprout her vitriol.’
The insider continued: ‘It was very tense. She said everyone else was kind with each other, but they definitely kept Susan apart from all.
‘Susan did not eat lunch or dinner, or pal around with the other women, cast, and crew. She stayed in her trailer mostly.’
DailyMail.com has contacted Bleecker Street for comment.
The Fabulous Four began filming last fall, around the same time of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
Sarandon would spark widespread outrage just weeks later while speaking at a November 17 pro-Palestine rally in New York City.
‘There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence,’ she said in a statement that would quickly draw backlash and be deemed anti-Semitic.
The controversy resulted in the Academy Award-winning actress being dropped by her Hollywood representative, United Talent Agency, which is run by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer. UTA had represented Sarandon since 2014.
She later issued an apology calling the ‘phrasing’ of her remarks ‘a terrible mistake’.
But the veteran left-wing activist has since continued participating in protests and rallies, reportedly joining in on chants ‘from the river to the sea,’ a battle cry used by pro-Palestinian activists and Hamas alike that many view as an anti-Semitic call for the destruction of Israel.
In a more recent incident captured on camera on April 24, Sarandon was heard denying the violent crimes that have been committed by Hamas against civilians amid the ongoing war, to an Israeli activist.
The woman, Keren Picker, can be seen approaching Sarandon the street and pointing out that Hamas has repeatedly turned down proposals for a ceasefire.
A defiant Sarandon replies: ‘Do you know why? Because they’re terrible deals.’
She then goes on to reference reports about ‘babies in ovens’ and ‘rapes’ in Gaza and branding them ‘myths.’
Earlier this year Sarandon joined Squad member Rashida Tlaib at a protest on Capitol Hill, demanding for the US to stop ‘funding genocide.’
She made a statement to members of the press during the February 15 event, organized by the left-wing anti-war women’s organization CODEPINK, calling for a ceasefire.
‘There’s never been peace that’s been attained through violence,’ Sarandon said, ironically just three months after making her controversial remarks seemingly justifying the attack.
Sarandon arrived at Capitol Hill wearing a red keffiyeh scarf in support of Palestine.
‘We have to have a permanent ceasefire and save the lives of all those people that are now just being shot at like fish in a barrel,’ she said at the time.
Her demonstration comes after a $ 95 billion foreign aid package was passed by the Senate, including $14.1 billion for Israel’s war against Hamas.
5 thoughts on “Tension On The Set Of The Fabulous Four? Just Gossip?”
I’m glad that you posted this, because it prompts me to ask the question (since we live in such a polarized society), if Bette’s political social media comments are having any kind of impact on her career? It’s no secret how she feels about Donald Trump–especially since he has also personally attacked her on social media. However, it’s been reported that many celebrities are holding back this election cycle on reporting their views, for fear of retribution or losing some of their fan base or studio support. Say the wrong thing, and all of a sudden, you’re a target.
I guess when you reach a certain age, as in Susan and Bette’s case, the career may not matter as much as the cause. Vanessa Redgrave’s long standing pro-Palestinian viewpoints did hurt her career in some respects, in the short and long-term. So far this year, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has deferred endorsing Biden, as he did in 2020, and everyone is waiting for Taylor Swift to make a similar Biden support or pro-Palestinian stance on Gaza, and she is remaining [wisely] silent–at least for now.
But in retrospect, it’s been 10 years since Bette’s full-fledged solo album (“It’s the Girls”–I’m not counting “Hello, Dolly”), Hocus Pocus 3 is still in development with many rumors of it pivoting away from the Sanderson sisters and focusing on the younger cast members, and her last movie “Sitting in Bars with Cake” was essentially equivalent to a three-minute cameo walk-on. Other potential movie projects, such as “A Childhood History Plan/Family Jewels” have been in pre-production for years, with no word of it really advancing (also the Sharon Stone collaboration). I’m really looking forward to The Fabulous Four, tensions and all. I’m a liberal who lives in a conservative area, and I recall when last year’s “80 for Brady” came out in the theaters, many of the people in my area refused to see it because (Hanoi) Jane Fonda was in it, who they still consider to be a traitor to America, even though she has long since apologized.
I’m all for freedom of expression but I wonder if studios are willing to risk monetary receipts when you have outspoken celebrities out there speaking their minds in such forward and confrontational manners. Don’t get me wrong. My political beliefs align strongly with Bette’s, and I don’t think being pro-Palestinian necessarily makes you anti-Israel. There is such a thing as a potential two-State solution.
I’d really like to see and hear more of Bette professionally, and I’m just wondering if her strong viewpoints (which I completely agree with!) are having any kind of impact on her career (?). She’s not alone, though. Other celebrities, such as Barbra Streisand, Mia Farrow, Nancy Sinatra and Cher have vocalized similar talking points, as well. Then again, there’s Richard Dreyfuss. Oh, my…
I hate to add to this with a second message, but now that the trailer for “The Fabulous Four” has been released, the feedback is, er, well, mixed. Bette has also posted the trailer for the movie on her twitter feed, and checking into the X/twitter responses, I’m amazed at the number of people who, despite loving Bette, refuse to see the movie because of Susan Sarandon. “Hard Pass”, “It’s a No” are a couple responses, and the number of people who just won’t see it because Susan is in it and purportedly is pro-Trump or pro-Palestinian/anti-Jewish pretty much overwhelms the twitter (“X”) feed. The sentiment against Sarandon is palpable, but when I googled her comments, it seems that a lot of it has been incorrectly reported or taken out of context. Susan immediately apologized for the misinterpretation. However, based on the trailer (which has nothing to do with real life, of course), it does appear that there is some tension between Bette and Susan. Hmm, does art imitate life? It looks like Susan Sarandon is becoming the new Jane Fonda, from a political perspective. Will it affect the box office? I guess we’ll have to stay tuned on that one, but the people who are anti-Susan Sarandon seem to be steadfast in giving the movie a pass. Ouch!
I saw that too and I saw how Sarandon was taken out of context. If you’re a big Bette fan I can’t see giving it a hard pass. But nowadays who knows. And why did papers not bring anything up until now, when all this really started in Oct and the movie wrapped in December. That’s like 8 months go by and ban. I assumed the interactions in the preview was just them acting lol. I don’t know. I’ll be there
I’d love to do a research paper about celebrities that speak out politically and how much it effects their careers.
I love these women! I hope they can agree to disagree and distract us with a fabulous, funny film that in my opinion we need more than more political strife. Let the politicians be political and let these beautiful women be actresses and make our world a little happier and lighter. Of course I respect their intelligence and opinions but I hope they don’t lose love for one another and can separate politics and art. Please…let us laugh again. I mean no disrespect or disregard, just need to laugh again. These beautiful, talented, aged perfectly, brilliant women have influenced me, entertained me, enlightened me and made me brave enough to leave this message. Love to them all.
I’m glad that you posted this, because it prompts me to ask the question (since we live in such a polarized society), if Bette’s political social media comments are having any kind of impact on her career? It’s no secret how she feels about Donald Trump–especially since he has also personally attacked her on social media. However, it’s been reported that many celebrities are holding back this election cycle on reporting their views, for fear of retribution or losing some of their fan base or studio support. Say the wrong thing, and all of a sudden, you’re a target.
I guess when you reach a certain age, as in Susan and Bette’s case, the career may not matter as much as the cause. Vanessa Redgrave’s long standing pro-Palestinian viewpoints did hurt her career in some respects, in the short and long-term. So far this year, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has deferred endorsing Biden, as he did in 2020, and everyone is waiting for Taylor Swift to make a similar Biden support or pro-Palestinian stance on Gaza, and she is remaining [wisely] silent–at least for now.
But in retrospect, it’s been 10 years since Bette’s full-fledged solo album (“It’s the Girls”–I’m not counting “Hello, Dolly”), Hocus Pocus 3 is still in development with many rumors of it pivoting away from the Sanderson sisters and focusing on the younger cast members, and her last movie “Sitting in Bars with Cake” was essentially equivalent to a three-minute cameo walk-on. Other potential movie projects, such as “A Childhood History Plan/Family Jewels” have been in pre-production for years, with no word of it really advancing (also the Sharon Stone collaboration). I’m really looking forward to The Fabulous Four, tensions and all. I’m a liberal who lives in a conservative area, and I recall when last year’s “80 for Brady” came out in the theaters, many of the people in my area refused to see it because (Hanoi) Jane Fonda was in it, who they still consider to be a traitor to America, even though she has long since apologized.
I’m all for freedom of expression but I wonder if studios are willing to risk monetary receipts when you have outspoken celebrities out there speaking their minds in such forward and confrontational manners. Don’t get me wrong. My political beliefs align strongly with Bette’s, and I don’t think being pro-Palestinian necessarily makes you anti-Israel. There is such a thing as a potential two-State solution.
I’d really like to see and hear more of Bette professionally, and I’m just wondering if her strong viewpoints (which I completely agree with!) are having any kind of impact on her career (?). She’s not alone, though. Other celebrities, such as Barbra Streisand, Mia Farrow, Nancy Sinatra and Cher have vocalized similar talking points, as well. Then again, there’s Richard Dreyfuss. Oh, my…
I hate to add to this with a second message, but now that the trailer for “The Fabulous Four” has been released, the feedback is, er, well, mixed. Bette has also posted the trailer for the movie on her twitter feed, and checking into the X/twitter responses, I’m amazed at the number of people who, despite loving Bette, refuse to see the movie because of Susan Sarandon. “Hard Pass”, “It’s a No” are a couple responses, and the number of people who just won’t see it because Susan is in it and purportedly is pro-Trump or pro-Palestinian/anti-Jewish pretty much overwhelms the twitter (“X”) feed. The sentiment against Sarandon is palpable, but when I googled her comments, it seems that a lot of it has been incorrectly reported or taken out of context. Susan immediately apologized for the misinterpretation. However, based on the trailer (which has nothing to do with real life, of course), it does appear that there is some tension between Bette and Susan. Hmm, does art imitate life? It looks like Susan Sarandon is becoming the new Jane Fonda, from a political perspective. Will it affect the box office? I guess we’ll have to stay tuned on that one, but the people who are anti-Susan Sarandon seem to be steadfast in giving the movie a pass. Ouch!
I saw that too and I saw how Sarandon was taken out of context. If you’re a big Bette fan I can’t see giving it a hard pass. But nowadays who knows. And why did papers not bring anything up until now, when all this really started in Oct and the movie wrapped in December. That’s like 8 months go by and ban. I assumed the interactions in the preview was just them acting lol. I don’t know. I’ll be there
I’d love to do a research paper about celebrities that speak out politically and how much it effects their careers.
I love these women! I hope they can agree to disagree and distract us with a fabulous, funny film that in my opinion we need more than more political strife. Let the politicians be political and let these beautiful women be actresses and make our world a little happier and lighter. Of course I respect their intelligence and opinions but I hope they don’t lose love for one another and can separate politics and art. Please…let us laugh again. I mean no disrespect or disregard, just need to laugh again. These beautiful, talented, aged perfectly, brilliant women have influenced me, entertained me, enlightened me and made me brave enough to leave this message. Love to them all.
I totally agree