More than 180 Jewish artists, writers, academics, and religious leaders have rallied behind Mark Ruffalo after Paramount accused the actor of invoking “antisemitic tropes” while opposing its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The signatories include Joel Coen, Todd Haynes, Hannah Einbinder, Wallace Shawn, Ilana Glazer, Miranda July, Naomi Klein, Tony Kushner, and Joaquin Phoenix.
Their open letter, titled “Enough!,” dismisses the allegations against Ruffalo as part of an “outrageous smear campaign.”
“The time is over for spurious charges of antisemitism to be trotted out, this time in the defense of war, oligarchy, and AI domination. That tired playbook has run its course,” the letter states, according to Variety.
Ruffalo Connects Paramount Merger to Oracle and Israel
The controversy began after Ruffalo shared footage of Oracle executive vice chair Safra Catz discussing technology the company provided to Israel following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
Ruffalo connected Oracle’s relationship with Israel to company co-founder Larry Ellison, whose financial support is helping his son, Paramount CEO David Ellison, pursue the $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
David Ellison talks to Bloomberg – YouTube, Bloomberg Podcasts
READ: ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ Sequel in the Works From Kate Hudson at Paramount
The actor called Larry Ellison a “classic oligarch” and accused the family of “powering some of the most destructive and inhuman forces in the world.” He also warned that Oracle’s technology could eventually be incorporated into the merged media company and “one day used on you.”
Paramount responded by accusing Ruffalo of introducing antisemitic stereotypes into a corporate dispute.
“We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute,” the company said.
Jewish Figures Reject Paramount’s Accusation
The new letter attempts to draw a direct line between artificial intelligence, the proposed merger, the war in Gaza, and threats to basic freedoms.
“The AI road to WarnerMount runs through Gaza, and Ellison has often let us know the Orwellian world he has in store for us as he consolidates control over what we watch and how we watch it, knowing that as we watch he and his corrupt cohort will always be watching us.”
It later argues that Ruffalo was justified in connecting military technology, corporate consolidation, and the conflict in Gaza.
Mark Ruffalo being interviewed by Jimmy Kimmel – Youtube, Jimmy Kimmel Live
READ: Scaffolding Removed From Muppet Vision Theater, Does Not Yet Resemble Monstropolis Glob Concept Art
“Pointing out the crucial connections between what is happening in Gaza and what is happening in Hollywood is the exact opposite of antisemitism,” the signatories wrote. “It is, for us, the very essence of Jewish ethical duty.”
The signatories also claim that some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people are exploiting the moment to advance their own agendas. Elon Musk, the Ellisons, and Peter Thiel are specifically accused of “working to dismantle our democracy.”
In closing, the letter states: “We stand proudly with Mark Ruffalo, and with all decent people who are bravely rising and speaking truth to power.”
However, the signatories are not the only Jewish entertainment figures weighing in on the controversy.
Nearly 1,000-Member Group Condemns Ruffalo
A group called The Brigade, which represents nearly 1,000 entertainment professionals, Jewish community members, and allies, previously condemned Ruffalo’s comments.
Its statement was supported by influential producers and executives, including Haim Saban, Lawrence Bender, Teddy Schwarzman, Ram Bergman, Anthony Bregman, and Lynn Harris.
The Brigade accused Ruffalo of singling out Jewish executives and relying on narratives involving accumulated wealth, hidden influence, and control over powerful institutions.
Mark Ruffalo speaking at the 2017 San Diego Comic Con International, for “Thor: Ragnarok” Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
READ: Halo Composer Marty O’Donnell Vows To Protect Gamers’ Ownership Rights In Congress
“This is simple antisemitism,” the organization declared.
Ruffalo denied the allegation, calling it “appalling and fundamentally dishonest.” He argued that criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, military contracts, or the executives involved is not equivalent to attacking Jewish people.
The competing letters reveal a deep division within Hollywood over where criticism of Israel and powerful Jewish executives ends—and antisemitic rhetoric begins.
What began as an antitrust fight over Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery has now expanded into an increasingly bitter argument about Israel, antisemitism, corporate power, and who gets to define the boundaries between them.
How do you feel about Mark Ruffalo and his opposition to the Paramount Warner Bros. merger? Sound off and let us know!
UP NEXT: Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Vandalized Days After Her Death
