Mark Ruffalo rejects Paramount antisemitism accusation

Mark Ruffalo has strongly rejected allegations of antisemitism made by Paramount after the actor criticised the company’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The actor said his comments were directed at the business and political activities connected to the deal, rather than Jewish people or the Jewish community. He argued that criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, military technology contracts, or executives involved in such agreements should not be equated with antisemitism.

“The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest,” Ruffalo said in a statement shared on X. He maintained that his remarks were based on his political beliefs and concerns about the proposed merger.

Ruffalo also stressed that he has “deep love and respect” for Jewish people, pointing to the important role Jewish friends, colleagues and loved ones have played in his life. His response came after he criticised the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal and raised questions about Oracle’s involvement in supplying technology used by the Israeli military.

Paramount had previously criticised Ruffalo’s remarks, saying it was concerned that antisemitic tropes were being used in connection with a business dispute. A company spokesperson said Paramount did not tolerate prejudice against anyone but argued that Ruffalo’s comments warranted criticism.

The dispute is part of a wider debate surrounding Paramount’s proposed $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Ruffalo has argued that the transaction could have major consequences for the entertainment industry, particularly in areas such as editorial independence, employment and corporate influence.

The actor has also questioned Oracle’s business interests in data, surveillance technology and government contracts. He raised concerns about the possible influence of foreign money and powerful technology companies on media organisations and editorial decisions.

Ruffalo has called for greater scrutiny of the proposed transaction, arguing that regulators should provide clearer answers about potential national security concerns before the merger is allowed to proceed.

“Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for serious national security review,” Ruffalo said, arguing that the deal should not move forward until those concerns are properly addressed.

His opposition to the merger is not new. In April, Ruffalo joined attorney Norm Eisen in urging state officials to challenge the takeover through antitrust measures. An open letter opposing the transaction has also attracted more than 5,000 signatures, with support from several entertainment industry and advocacy organisations.

The proposed deal gained momentum after Paramount Skydance made a $31-per-share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery following Netflix’s withdrawal from its own proposed agreement with the company.

As discussions over the merger continue, Ruffalo’s comments have added another layer to the controversy, bringing questions about corporate ownership, political influence, technology contracts and editorial freedom into the wider debate over the future of the entertainment industry.