Academy Award Winner Actress Susan Sarandon Under Fire for Referring to the Pope as Being a Nazi

Actress Susan Sarandon is the latest celebrity to come under fire for making anti-Semetic remarks against a high profile world leader. The Academy Award winning actress called Pope Benedict XVI a Nazi during a recent discussion session at the Hamptons Film Festival.

Sarandon said she sent a copy of the book "Dead Man Walking" to the pope. She won an Academy Award for her role in the 1995 film based on that book. " I sent it to the last pope we had, not this Nazi one we have now", referring to the German-born pontiff, Sarandon was reportedly quoted as saying. That same remark was also repeated later by her in another discussion she had at that film festival.

The Catholic League of America, as well as the Jewish community, were very upset over these remarks, calling them obscene, hateful and vindictive and only serve to diminish the true history of the Holocaust. They are calling on Sarandon to issue an apology to the Catholic community.

A political commentator and film critic, Michael Medved, was also reportedly dismayed by the Nazi accusation and said "Susan Sarandon may be following the classic rule of public relations. When the world is ignoring you, try attacking the pope?" He went on to say that this "fading Hollywood actresses" comments about an influential world religious leader like Pope Benedict are regrettable in light of all his efforts to come to terms with the horrors of the Holocaust.

The 65 year old actresses anti-Semitic remarks come within just a couple of weeks of Hank Williams Jr.'s remarks on a golf outing President Obama had with a member of the opposite party. He referred to the golf outing as Hitler (President Obama) and Benjamin Netanyahu playing golf together. Hank Williams Jr. said the comments were taken out of context and he was only trying to draw an inference between Polar opposites. Because of those comments, Hank Williams Jr. and ESPN have parted ways.

What affect these remarks could have for Susan Sarandon about Pope Benedict being a Nazi, is yet to be seen. She has been known for her support for a number of good causes including hunger and aids. She was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999.

Despite all her good works though, Susan Sarandon's reputation is likely to suffer somewhat because of this. Remarks such as these can be seen as being very hurtful, especially to the religious community.

Source: http://www. foxnews.com /entertainment