Mark Ruffalo has hit back after Paramount Skydance accused him of turning to 'antisemitic tropes' in a public clash over the proposed $110billion (£80.7bn) takeover of Warner Bros Discovery. The actor, 58, called the accusation 'appalling and fundamentally dishonest' in a written statement shared on X over the weekend.
Ruffalo attacked CEO David Ellison and his father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, in an Instagram post on Friday, linking their business interests to Israel's military actions in Gaza. He criticised the proposed acquisition, warning of job losses and reduced competition, and described Larry Ellison as a 'classic oligarch'.
Paramount's response
Paramount responded on Saturday, accusing Ruffalo of invoking 'antisemitic tropes'. A spokesperson said: '(The company is) troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute. Words like 'genocide' and 'apartheid', applied to a corporate transaction, aren't just wrong – they're a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe.'
The company added: 'We'd rather build than further engage in such rhetoric. This simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction.' It also stated: 'On the other hand, our commitment to great content is matched by our commitment to acceptance – to every story, every storyteller, and no blacklists, no exceptions, for anyone.'
Ruffalo's rebuttal
In his statement, Ruffalo wrote: 'Criticising the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticising Jewish people.' He insisted his 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 also said: 'This merger has real consequences for real people, and for the entire country. Scrutinising the Ellisons, including Oracle's business built on data, surveillance technology and government contracts, and the serious threat to editorial freedom and the loss of a livelihood for thousands of families, is fair and necessary.'
Broader reaction and deal context
Jim Berk, CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a Jewish human rights organisation, praised Paramount for 'refusing to allow prejudice to masquerade as political or corporate criticism'. His statement added: 'At a time when antisemitism is too often minimised, rationalised or repackaged in more socially acceptable language, this kind of moral clarity matters.'
Hollywood star John Cusack offered support to Ruffalo, retweeting his statement on X and writing: 'Solidarity — well said.'
The dispute comes as Paramount's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery remains challenged in the US by 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America. The companies announced their definitive agreement in February, valuing Warner Bros Discovery at $110billion (£80.7bn) and bringing businesses including Warner Bros, HBO, CNN, DC Studios, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones under the same corporate umbrella as Paramount. The transaction has received regulatory clearances in nearly 70 jurisdictions.
Paramount this week asked a federal judge to require the states challenging the acquisition to post a $1.88billion (£1.38bn) bond, arguing delays could leave it facing substantial fees. A recent Los Angeles County report estimated that about 4,500 local film and television jobs could be at risk over three years if the deal proceeds. A Paramount spokesperson told NBC that it would make no further comment. Metro has contacted Oracle for comment.
