Protests interrupted the show at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards this afternoon.
Chants could be heard from outside the venue on Sunday afternoon (February 25) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif.
While Jim Gaffigan was on stage to present the award for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series to the cast of Jury Duty, screams could be heard and they were so loud it seemed like they were possibly inside the room.
Keep reading to find out more…
Reports from the show reveal that there are chants of “Free Palestine” and “Free Gaza” outside of the tent at the pier. It appears to be from a single protestor with a bullhorn playing a recording. The chants have been continuing for at least 10 minutes and still have not stopped.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s Chris Gardner shared a video of the scene and described what was happening. He wrote, “‘Free Palestine’ supporters are disrupting #SpiritAwards while Jim Gaffigan is presenting best ensemble cast. Security does not seem to be able to quiet them as this continues.”
Host Aidy Bryant addressed the protest by saying, “We are at the beach and people are practicing their freedom of speech.”
“Free Palestine” supporters are disrupting #SpiritAwards while Jim Gaffigan is presenting best ensemble cast. Security does not seem to be able to quiet them as this continues…. pic.twitter.com/JotnDFtfeA
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 25, 2024
Read more tweets below…
chants of FREE PALESTINE from outside interrupt Jim Gaffigan at the #SpiritAwards
— Inside Agitator (@AbsolutelyMalc1) February 25, 2024
There is a very loud protest happening just outside the tent of the Spirit Awards but it’s also incoherent so no one knows what they’re protesting
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) February 25, 2024
Some protest is happening outside of the tent I guess.#SpiritAwards
— Brian Perry 🐦 (@Road2Oscars) February 25, 2024
Jim Gaffigan tries to present Best Ensemble as Free Gaza protestors yell on megaphones outside. They are still yelling. #SpiritAwards
— Gregory Ellwood – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE) February 25, 2024
Who is yelling in the audience at the Spirit Awards? Is it a protest? Has gotten louder since Gaffigan started talking.
— Jen Chaney (@chaneyj) February 25, 2024