Hannah Einbinder’s Emmy Speech Sparks Controversy

During her acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmy Awards, actress Hannah Einbinder drew criticism from several fellow actors for her “inflammatory and disturbing” remarks. While winning the award for best supporting actress in a comedy series on HBO Max, she concluded her speech with the phrase, “F— ICE and Free Palestine!”

After the awards show, Einbinder clarified her comments, stating that she was speaking as a Jew who wanted to represent Palestinian voices. “Our religion and culture exist separately from the nationalist state, and as a Jew, I feel it is my responsibility to make that distinction,” she explained.

In response, Emmy-winning actor Yuval David called her speech an “ignorant performance” rather than a brave stance. He expressed that her words did not promote peace or address the suffering of hostages in Gaza. David emphasized the deep connection between Jews and Israeli history, stating that seeing the two as separate is regrettable.

Derek Andrade, a member of SAG-AFTRA and active in the 2023 Actors Guild strike, has questioned whether Einbinder might face any disciplinary action for her remarks. He described her statements as potentially harmful and claimed they misrepresented the views of many in the union.

Andrade also mentioned that her speech gained significant attention, with Nielsen data showing it was viewed by over seven million people.

Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security Advisor, condemned Einbinder’s comments, stating they unjustly vilified ICE officers and could incite violence. She remarked on the alarming increase in assaults against law enforcement, linking it to the kind of rhetoric Einbinder used.

Despite the backlash, Einbinder’s remarks received a warm reception from the audience at the ceremony, where many attendees cheered her outspoken comments.