‘Terms of Endearment’ Star Debra Winger Arrested at New York Protest

Debra Winger was among more than 100 people arrested outside the United Nations on Thursday as protesters gathered ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the General Assembly.

The 71-year-old actress, whose films include Terms of Endearment, An Officer and a Gentleman and Urban Cowboy, appeared in images from the demonstration wearing a shirt that read “Fund People Not Bombs.” In an Instagram Story shared after her arrest, Winger called it “my honor to be arrested alongside the legend @lsansour,” referring to activist Linda Sarsour, according to Parade.

The arrest was part of a sit-in organized by Jewish Voice for Peace near First Avenue and East 39th Street. The group said demonstrators were calling for an end to U.S. arms support for Israel. It listed Winger and Sarsour among those arrested, along with Susan Sarandon, Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, author Glennon Doyle and Chelsea Manning. (JVP)

The demonstration unfolded in the street near the U.N., where protesters chanted “Let Gaza live.” Jewish Voice for Peace said more than 104 people were arrested; the group posted video from the protest on Instagram. The publicly available reports reviewed for this story did not establish what, if any, individual charge Winger faces. An arrest at a protest does not by itself mean someone has been convicted of a crime. (JVP)

Netanyahu’s speech drew protests outside the building and walkouts by some delegates inside. In his remarks, he rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Protest organizers used the occasion to press their opposing position on the war and U.S. military support for Israel. (JVP)

Winger’s appearance was consistent with her recent public activism. She was among Jewish figures who signed an open letter last year calling for Israeli leaders to address Palestinian rights. This time, the actress found herself in cuffs alongside fellow demonstrators—and made clear in her message afterward that she stood by the decision to join them.