George Clooney and Joaquin Phoenix are among the latest figures to voice support for actor Mark Ruffalo, who has faced backlash for recent social media posts. The controversy stems from comments Ruffalo made about Larry Ellison and Israel's military response in Gaza, which drew condemnation from various Jewish groups.
Clooney stated during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival that he supports Ruffalo's "ability to speak freely" and described the criticism as "ridiculous." He emphasized the importance of free speech, even in cases of disagreement, as a component of democracy.
An open letter initially signed by 180 "Jewish artists, writers, and entertainers" backing Ruffalo has garnered additional signatories, including Phoenix and Jonathan Glazer. Sources indicated that Ruffalo had sought to apologize for posts that portrayed Ellison as a villain oppressing Gazans, drawing strong reactions from organizations like the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Anti-Defamation League.
Norm Eisen, co-founder of States United Democracy Center, reportedly worked with Ruffalo on navigating contrition for offending Jewish individuals while maintaining his stance against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and Israel's actions in Gaza. Ruffalo had also approached ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, who had previously called the posts "cynical and sickening," for assistance. However, Greenblatt was unable to help, leading Eisen to focus on the open letter defending Ruffalo.
Ruffalo is expected to address the controversy further at the Toronto Film Festival, where he is a star of the opening night film "Being Heumann."