Actor Mark Ruffalo has strongly refuted accusations of antisemitism leveled by Paramount Pictures, calling the studio's remarks "appalling and fundamentally dishonest." The dispute centers on Ruffalo's vocal opposition to the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
In an extensive social media post, Ruffalo asserted that his criticisms are directed at military contracts, executive decisions, and the funding behind the $111 billion business transaction, and not at Jewish people. "To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect," he stated.
Ruffalo had previously used terms like "genocide" and "apartheid" in his critique of the merger's financial backing. Paramount, in response, issued a statement condemning his rhetoric as invoking antisemitic tropes and deeming the application of such terms to a corporate deal "a bridge too far."
Paramount CEO David Ellison is the son of billionaire technology mogul Larry Ellison, co-founder and executive chairman of Oracle. Ruffalo has highlighted Oracle's provision of technological assistance to Israel amidst its operations in Gaza, sharing a video of Oracle executive Safra Catz discussing advancing "the agenda for the Israeli military" and "profoundly scary technology." Ruffalo described Larry Ellison as a "classic oligarch" whose company, built on data, surveillance technology, and government contracts, is "powering some of the most destructive and inhuman forces in the world."
Ruffalo contended that scrutinizing the Ellisons, Oracle's business practices, and the potential consequences of the merger, such as a threat to editorial freedom and job losses, is "fair and necessary." He pointed to the potential impact on the film industry, noting that the merger could result in approximately 4,500 job losses in Los Angeles County, according to a report by LA County. Twelve Attorneys General are also reportedly suing to block the merger.
Paramount's spokesperson responded by stating that the company "don't tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone" and suggested Ruffalo's remarks "simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction." The studio expressed a desire to "lower the temperature, not raise it" and to "build rather than further engage in such rhetoric," insisting the merger should be judged on its "legal merits, not underlying bias."