Susan Sarandon was arrested on Thursday as she joined hundreds of activists in a march to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and treatment of migrant families.
The Hollywood actress, 71, announced her latest run in with the law on Twitter as it happened, while taking the opportunity to send a powerful message to her supporters to “stay strong” in the #WomenDisobey march.
She wrote: “Arrested. Stay strong. Keep fighting. #WomenDisobey.”
Other activists at the march claimed to have seen it happen, and one wrote on Twitter: “First group of protesters were just arrested and led out by police. The crowd went nuts.
“Susan Sarandon is in the second group of arrests. She waves to the ladies still sitting and singing as she was led away. #womendisobey #dc #immigration.”
Another added: “I love my disobedient friends so much. And hey – Susan Sarandon is here and she got arrested with the rest of us. #WeCare.”
She was also pictured taking part in the protests, with fan photos showing her wearing a black hat over her hair and a black and white striped top. She wore glasses and casual clothes to blend in and was seen chatting to members of the crowd.
The protests were against the Trump administration’s policy of separating immigrant families, and chants were heard outside the Hart Office Senate Building in Washington, with some reportedly including “what do we want? Free families!” and “this is what democracy looks like”.
It’s not the first time Sarandon has been arrested as part of a protest march, and appearing on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last year, she spoke about the Charlottesville riots, as well as the topics of racism and activism.
“I think we have to own it,” the 70-year-old actor said in the interview. “Until people don’t have to say ‘black lives matter’, we’re not free.”
Comparing what’s happening today with her own experiences of protesting in the days of the Vietnam War, Sarandon said that the reality of horrific incidents is less visible now, unless you know where to look on the internet.
“I think that’s why the Millennials are way, way ahead of everybody else because they see actually what’s going on,” Sarandon said.
Sarandon has been caught up in multiple protests and even arrested several times over the years.
“I’ve gone from metal handcuffs to plastic ones,” she joked, before acknowledging that she has been “very lucky” when she’s been arrested, and treated very well. Fans have even stopped to take pictures while Sarandon has been handcuffed to a pole, which she doesn’t mind in the slightest.
But the Thelma & Louise actor says that it’s partly due to her career, which requires a great deal of imagination and ability to empathise – traits that make her more capable of identifying with other people around the world.
Starts at 60 has contacted the actress’ rep for comment.