Actress Kate Beckinsale is questioning why she was let go from her talent agency while her colleague, Mark Ruffalo, retains his position.
Beckinsale, now 52, voiced her concerns earlier this year, after reportedly being dismissed from UTA, the same agency representing Ruffalo.
Beckinsale’s Commentary
In a lengthy and pointed remark made on Instagram, Beckinsale criticized Ruffalo. She referenced his promotion of a film about Palestine, which prompted her to assert that she lost her representation for simply liking a post related to the same topic.
“I’m really thankful I wasn’t let go by my agency for expressing support for a ceasefire and opposing the violence against children,” Beckinsale said in a now-deleted response, as noted by Entertainment Weekly.
The “Underworld” star characterized her termination as a case of sexism. “I think having a penis in Hollywood really helps, considering you weren’t dismissed by the same agency I was. I liked your post about a ceasefire, and I was fired the same day Susan Sarandon was let go,” she added.
Differences with Sarandon
Contrasting Beckinsale’s situation, Sarandon’s dismissal was publicly acknowledged by UTA due to her comments perceived as anti-Semitic during a pro-Palestinian event. UTA’s CEO at that time, Jeremy Zimmer, is Jewish.
Beckinsale’s Advocacy
In her statements, Beckinsale discussed her personal challenges, including caring for two ill parents, during which she was reportedly let go. Despite this, she commended Ruffalo for using his voice but maintained her stance about the gender bias influencing their respective situations.
“The consequences of being female and merely liking a low-key post asking UNICEF to care for children are far less significant than many other actions that warrant acknowledgment,” she expressed. Beckinsale noted that other actresses and women’s advocacy groups found her situation worthy of attention. She had reached out to Ruffalo privately several months ago, but claimed he did not respond.
She also remarked to another user, “There’s male privilege, even among allies.”
The agent involved in her termination has not been identified, and both Ruffalo and UTA have not publicly addressed inquiries regarding the matter.
Ruffalo has indeed been politically active, sharing extensive commentary during Trump’s presidency and expressing his support for Palestine through various platforms.
