Actress Hannah Einbinder, co-star of the HBO Max comedy series Hacks, was one of the most talked-about moments of the 77th Emmy Awards when she received the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her thank-you speech ended with a message that generated both applause and controversy: a direct criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and explicit support for the Palestinian people.
“Go Birds! [referring to the Philadelphia Eagles soccer team] F*** ICE and Palestine free!” shouted Einbinder on stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where the ceremony was held on Sunday, September 14.
Words censored in the transmission
“Go Birds, F*** ICE and Free Palestine” – #Hacks star Hannah Einbinder after her #Emmys win pic.twitter.com/OIIZD31rLf
– The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 15, 2025
The expression “F*** ICE” was not heard in the official broadcast, due to the fact that the networks that broadcast the Emmys apply a delay of several seconds in order to censor words considered offensive or acts not suitable for all audiences.
However, the audience present did hear the full commentary and clips quickly began to circulate on social networks, amplifying the reach of his words.
For the Hispanic community in the U.S., this moment took on special relevance, since ICE is the agency responsible for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants, an issue that directly affects millions of Latino families in the country.
Who is Hannah Einbinder
Hannah Einbinder, daughter of renowned comedian Laraine Newman (founding member of Saturday Night Live), has built her career in stand-up and television.
In Hacks, she plays Ava Daniels, a young comedy writer going through a professional and personal crisis, until she is hired by legendary comedian Deborah Vance (played by Jean Smart) to help her revamp her routine.
Her role has been praised by critics for addressing issues of generational clash, diversity and female representation in American comedy.
With this Emmy, Hannah Einbinder establishes herself as one of the most influential young actresses in the industry.
An Emmy with a political message
Hannah Einbinder on saying “Free Palestine” in her Emmys acceptance speech.
“It is my obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish Jews from the state of Israel. Our religion and our culture is such an important and long-standing institution that is really separate to this sort… pic.twitter.com/FNVTji7VC3
– Variety (@Variety) September 15, 2025
The 77th Emmy Awards was not without political and social statements.
Einbinder’s message joins a long tradition of artists who have used this stage to speak out on controversial causes.
His reference to Palestine occurs in an international context marked by tensions in the Middle East, while his criticism of ICE brings to the table the debate on immigration policies in the United States.
In social networks, the reaction was immediate.
For some, Einbinder showed courage in speaking out for vulnerable communities; for others, his speech was considered disrespectful at an entertainment event.
Relevance to the Latino community in the U.S.
Buzzy
Beyond the controversy, his words connect with a sensitive issue for the Hispanic community in the United States: the actions of ICE in terms of deportation and immigration detention.
Mexican, Central American and Caribbean families living in cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago or New York follow closely every time a public figure denounces these practices.
Hannah Einbinder’s speech, though brief, was a reminder that even in glamorous settings like the Emmys, the reality of migration and the struggle for human rights is still present.
Thus, the night Hannah Einbinder celebrated her first Emmy not only marked an achievement in her career, but also a political statement that will continue to be talked about in the entertainment industry as well as in the social and immigration fields.
¡F*** ICE y Palestina libre!
Hannah Einbinder
