Actor Mark Ruffalo has responded forcefully to accusations of antisemitism leveled against him by Paramount Pictures, calling the studio's claims "appalling and fundamentally dishonest." The dispute centers on Ruffalo's vocal opposition to the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which he has criticized using terms like "genocide" and "apartheid."
Ruffalo clarified in a detailed social media post that his criticisms are directed at military contracts, executive decisions, and the business practices of entities involved in the potential $111 billion transaction, not at Jewish people. He emphasized his deep respect and love for Jewish individuals, citing their integral role in his life and career.
Paramount had previously condemned Ruffalo's language, stating that applying terms such as "genocide" and "apartheid" to a corporate business deal crossed a line and invoked antisemitic tropes. The studio suggested Ruffalo's remarks exposed the "true motivation" of some opponents to the merger.
Ruffalo singled out Paramount CEO David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, co-founder and executive chairman of Oracle. He accused the Ellisons of "powering some of the most destructive and inhuman forces in the world," referencing Oracle's business dealings, including its technological assistance to Israel amid its actions in Gaza. Ruffalo shared a video clip of Safra Catz, former Oracle CEO, discussing advancing "the agenda for the Israeli military" and "profoundly scary technology at Oracle," particularly in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The actor asserted that scrutinizing the Ellisons, Oracle's business built on data, surveillance technology, and government contracts, as well as the potential threat to editorial freedom and job losses, is "fair and necessary." He argued that the merger, backed in part by foreign money with unexplained influence on editorial decisions, warrants a serious national security review.
Ruffalo also highlighted that 12 Attorneys General are suing to block the merger, which he contends would be "catastrophic for our film industry." He expressed concern that such large mergers are typically detrimental to workers, consumers, and the industry itself.
A report by LA County indicated that the merger could result in the loss of approximately 4,500 film and television jobs in the region. Ruffalo also referred to Larry Ellison as a "classic oligarch" whose actions concentrate wealth and power.
Paramount's spokesperson stated that "it was a moment to lower the temperature, not raise it," and that the company does not tolerate prejudice. The studio expressed hope that the merger would be judged on its "legal merits, not underlying bias," and called for "less rhetoric, more understanding."