Warner Bros Discovery has distanced itself from a pledge signed by over 4,000 film industry figures to boycott Israeli film institutions, calling the move a violation of its internal policies. The company stated that its policies prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, national origin or ancestry, and that a boycott of Israeli film institutions would breach these rules.
The pledge, organised by the group Film Workers for Palestine, commits signatories not to screen films or work with institutions deemed complicit in what it describes as 'genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people'. Signatories include actors Javier Bardem, Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo.
Warner Bros Discovery's statement emphasised its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, while respecting the rights of individuals to express their views. The company said it would continue to align its business practices with its policies and the law.
The boycott follows a legal warning from UK Lawyers for Israel to several entertainment companies, including Warner Bros Discovery, that such a pledge could violate the UK's 2010 Equality Act. Separately, 1,200 entertainment figures signed an open letter rejecting the boycott as 'misinformation' and 'antisemitic propaganda'.
Film Workers for Palestine clarified that the boycott targets institutions, not individuals, and is inspired by cultural boycotts that helped end apartheid in South Africa. The group called on the film industry to refuse silence and complicity in Palestinian oppression.
