The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards turned from a glamorous night of celebration into a heated political conversation when Hacks star Hannah Einbinder used her acceptance speech to address major social and political issues.
Winning the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Einbinder ended her remarks with the powerful words: “Go Birds, f-ck ICE, and Free Palestine.“
Her comments quickly went viral, drawing praise from many who admired her courage, while also inviting criticism from others who felt she misused the prestigious stage.
One of the most prominent responses came from Israeli activist and writer Hen Mazzig, who argued that Einbinder’s speech missed an opportunity to push for unity, peace, and acknowledgment of suffering on all sides of the conflict.
Hannah Einbinder’s Bold Statement
For many, award shows have increasingly become platforms where artists use their spotlight to raise awareness on pressing issues.
Einbinder’s speech was no exception. While the “Go Birds” line referenced her Philadelphia roots, the sharp rebuke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and her call to “Free Palestine” made clear where her political passions lie.
The live broadcast censored her explicit language against ICE, but the uncensored version immediately spread online. Social media erupted with conversations, with hashtags like #FreePalestine, #HannahEinbinder, and #Emmys2025 trending within hours.