Sarandon Disturbed By Event Cancellation

AP ^ | 02-28-03

[veronica]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Actress Susan Sarandon said she was disturbed by a charity's decision to cancel her appearance at a fund-raising event because of complaints about her anti-war views.

The United Way of Tampa Bay was to feature the 56-year-old actress as keynote speaker at an April 11 women's leadership event designed to inspire volunteerism in the community.

But organizers this week scrapped the $75-a-plate event after the charity got three dozen complaints about Sarandon's selection.

Robin Carson, chairwoman of the board of directors, said the event had the potential to become "divisive."

"The focus of our whole meeting had shifted to whether or not we were creating a political platform for Susan Sarandon," Carson said.

In a statement Friday, Sarandon said that "considering the depletion of federal funds for community programs and the faltering economy, it is disturbing to me that the United Way is letting partisanship determine its support base.

"Once again, the shortsightedness of the powerful will end up hurting those in need."

Others disagreed with the decision, too.

Marty Petty, executive vice president of Times Publishing Co., which publishes the St. Petersburg Times, resigned as a member of the United Way board of directors and chair of the 2003 campaign.

"This decision is grounded in my lifelong personal and professional belief that our civic life is made stronger by the expression of all views, including ones that are controversial," Petty wrote in a letter to Carson.

Sarandon's brother, Terry Tomalin, outdoors writer at the St. Petersburg Times, had asked Sarandon to participate six months ago.

Sarandon, who introduced the obituary segment of Sunday's Academy Awards (news - web sites) show, flashed a peace symbol with her fingers while walking on stage at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif.

She won a best-actress Oscar for 1995's "Dead Man Walking."

[Coop]

[big grin]

[Oldeconomybuyer]

I'm deeply saddened that Ms Sarandon is disturbed.

[Xenalyte]

"Once again, the shortsightedness of the powerful will end up hurting those in need."

I thought we were just a bunch of heartless, disaffected freaks. Mighty nice of her to recognize our POWER!

[Bubba_Leroy]

They should have titled the article "Sarandon Disturbed" and left it at that.

[friendly]

Well boo freakin hoo.

Man it is about time that the sworn traitorous enemies of the US generated a little controversy.

[dennisw]

She was going to charge $20,000 to speak. Was she going to keep this money or donate it?

[minmospop]

Reschedule it with the First Lady of The United States. Can't think of anyone better to help with the United Way!

[DoughtyOne]

There is only one requirement to be a peace protester.
courtesy www.zombies.inc

[dawgmeat9]

I may lose sleep tonight knowing her dilemna.

Well maybe not

[try phecta tom]

beat me to it, damn

[dennisw]

Marty Petty, executive vice president of Times Publishing Co. and a United Way board member, made the phone call. The St. Petersburg Times Fund, the newspaper's philanthropic arm, was the chief sponsor of the event and was going to pay Sarandon's $20,000 speaker's fee.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Site=LL&Date=20030328&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=303280416&Ref=AR&Profile=1004

[pankot]

She was "disturbed"? Awwww shucks and boo-hoo-hoo.

[JOE6PAK]

Let her talk, but charge $75-a-plate and $100-a-BARF BAG!...Its all for charity.

[TomServo]

Sarandon Disturbed By Event Cancellation

Sarandon Disturbed By Event Cancellation

Thought I'd fix the title for ya...

[Dont Mention the War]

Oh, blow it out your Sarandon, Sarah.

[veronica]

They should have titled the article "Sarandon Disturbed" and left it at that.

Don't think I wasn't tempted to leave it at that when I posted the article. ;)

[PoisedWoman]

Once again, the shortsightedness of the powerful will end up hurting those in need."

Can you imagine the ego behind those words? ONLY she can help the needy. Barf to the max.

[JacquesDaschle]

Looks like the First Amendment works for the "rest" of us as well as the "intellectually elite" (sorry about the oxymoron)!

[Keith]

I'm sorry...but I can't take anyone seriously who spent half a movie promoting transvestism and running around in her underwear.