Mark Ruffalo responds to Paramount antisemitism accusation over merger criticism
Mark Ruffalo rejected Paramount’s accusation of antisemitism after criticising company’s proposed Warner Bros. merger
Mark Ruffalo has responded to Paramount after the company accused him of invoking antisemitic tropes while criticising its proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The actor said his comments about Paramount-WBD backer Oracle and its involvement in supplying technology amid the Israel-Hamas conflict should not be interpreted as hostility towards Jewish people.
“The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest,” Ruffalo wrote on X.
“Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people.”
The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest. Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people. This critical and necessary dialogue…
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 22, 2026
Ruffalo said his views came from his political convictions and added that he had “deep love and respect” for Jewish people.
He also highlighted the influence Jewish friends, colleagues and loved ones have had throughout his life.
The actor’s comments followed his criticism of the proposed merger and Oracle executive vice chair Safra Catz’s discussion of technology made available to the Israeli military.
Paramount responded that it was “troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute.”
“This doesn’t deserve a response in kind — and to be clear, we don’t tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone,” a Paramount spokesperson said.
Ruffalo argued that the proposed $111 billion deal could have significant implications for the entertainment industry, including editorial freedom and employment.
He questioned Oracle’s business activities involving data, surveillance technology and government contracts, while also raising concerns about foreign money and its potential influence on editorial decisions.
“Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for serious national security review, and regulators still haven’t given the public a real answer. Until they do, the merger shouldn’t move forward,” Ruffalo said.
Ruffalo previously joined attorney Norm Eisen in April to urge state officials to block the takeover through antitrust measures.
An open letter opposing the deal collected more than 5,000 signatures and was organised by several industry and advocacy groups.
The proposed merger follows Paramount Skydance’s $31-per-share offer after Netflix withdrew from its own Warner Bros. deal.
