Mark Ruffalo Faces Antisemitism Backlash Over $111 Billion Paramount-WBD Merger Comments
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 28
Mark Ruffalo Faces Antisemitism Backlash Over $111 Billion Paramount-WBD Merger Comments
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 28
Summary
Nearly 1,000 entertainment insiders, backed by Paramount, accused Mark Ruffalo of antisemitism after he linked Oracle’s support for Israel to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Ruffalo called the charge appalling and dishonest, saying he was criticizing Israeli government actions, military technology contracts and executives involved in the deal—not Jewish people.
The Brigade, whose signatories include Haim Saban, Lawrence Bender and Teddy Schwarzman, said Ruffalo’s focus on Jewish executives and Israel repeated classic tropes about secretive wealth and power.
The clash has widened Hollywood’s split over the $111 billion transaction, with John Cusack and Hannah Einbinder backing Ruffalo while the Simon Wiesenthal Center sided with Paramount.
The merger already faces broader pressure: California Attorney General Rob Bonta canceled a meeting, and 12 state attorneys general have sued to block the deal on antitrust grounds.