Debra Messing Opens Up About Hollywood Betrayal

Debra Messing has shared how her vocal support for Israel has left her feeling alienated by Hollywood and shunned by her peers. 

Speaking at a Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) in this weekend, the American actress revealed that she sought therapy to deal with her feelings of 'shock' and 'anger' after she faced extensive criticism online. 

Messing, who is Jewish and a self-professed liberal Zionist, was left reeling when she learned that many of her friends and fellow actors did not support her views.  

'I really expected the Hollywood community to join me. My entire career I'd been part of this very liberal, inclusive community,' Messing told  host Sharri Markson during a live interview at the event.  

'I felt betrayed and abandoned. I felt like I was completely alone, and I know that isn't special to me... and I have lost so many friends.'

Messing, 57, says that in addition to feeling shunned by her industry, the online trolling she has experienced from the public has taken a toll on her mental health. 

'It has been the hardest thing I've ever experienced,' she said.

'It has been a real struggle, and it has been up and down. I felt incredibly depressed for a period, and I felt enraged, and I really needed help from a therapist.'

The Will & Grace star went on to explain that she is in the process of applying for dual citizenship and eyeing a move to Israel. 

'There was a moment where I was feeling like the United States was no longer safe. Especially in New York City,' the Brooklyn-born actress said. 

'When I'm in (Israel), that is home, and regardless of all of the missiles, I feel safest there.'

Prior to the October 7 terror attacks, Messing was known as an outspoken liberal and anti-Trump activist. 

She actively campaigned for and , and in 2017 she was honoured with the Excellence in Media Award by (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).

However, she has changed her tune in recent years as her passion for supporting Israel has increased.