Hannah Einbinder Emmys Speech Sparks Controversy

Actress Hannah Einbinder made headlines at the 2025 Emmy Awards. The “Hacks” star won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She used her acceptance speech to make a political statement.

Einbinder declared “Free Palestine” during her moment on stage. This act quickly garnered a reaction from an unexpected source. A media outlet linked to Hamas praised her words but censored her image.

Hamas-Affiliated Outlet Blurs Actress’s Appearance

The Quds News Network featured Einbinder on its social media. The outlet shared her comments supporting Palestine. However, it heavily altered the accompanying photo of the actress.

According to The New York Post, the network blurred Einbinder’s torso. The censorship obscured her exposed shoulders and cleavage. It even hid a pin she wore in solidarity with Palestinians.

The network’s post quoted Einbinder’s explanation for her speech. It was later deleted from the platform X. Quds News Network claims to be an independent Palestinian outlet.

It has repeatedly faced accusations of close ties to Hamas. It is also linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by many countries.

Cultural Clash Highlights Wider Conflict

The censorship highlights a deep cultural divide. Hamas enforces strict modesty rules for women in Gaza. These rules are not always mandatory but are strongly encouraged.

Women are often expected to wear headscarves and long gowns in public. Einbinder’s modern, revealing gown clashed directly with these norms. The outlet praised her message but could not show its messenger.

Einbinder explained her speech to reporters backstage. She is Jewish and felt a responsibility to speak out. She wanted to distinguish Judaism from the actions of the Israeli state.

She said the conflict feels personal due to friends aiding refugees. Her comments have been met with significant backlash from some Jewish community members. Critics argue her words vilify Israel and ignore ongoing security concerns.

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The incident underscores the complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and cultural values, showing how a message can be simultaneously celebrated and sanitized depending on the audience.

Info at your fingertips

What did Hannah Einbinder say at the Emmys?

During her acceptance speech, Einbinder said “Free Palestine.” She also made a critical statement about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why did Hamas media censor her image?

The Quds News Network blurred her shoulders and cleavage. This aligns with the modesty codes often enforced by Hamas in Gaza, which discourage revealing clothing.

What is the Quds News Network?

It is a media outlet that claims to serve the Palestinian diaspora. It has been widely accused by experts and governments of being a mouthpiece for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

How did Einbinder explain her comments?

She stated that as a Jewish person, she wanted to separate her religion from the politics of the Israeli state. She cited friends working with refugees as a personal motivator.

Has there been criticism of her speech?

Yes. Some voices in the Jewish community criticized the statement. They argued it oversimplifies a complex conflict and could fuel antisemitism.

Trusted Sources: The New York Post, The Wrap, Hollywood Reporter.