Jews in Hollywood comment on Mark Ruffalo antisemitism allegations

Key Points:

• Around 170 notable Jewish figures, including entertainers, rabbis, and a physician, have signed an open letter defending actor Mark Ruffalo against accusations of antisemitism related to his comments on the Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
• Ruffalo criticized Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, linking them to an “apartheid system of oppression” in Gaza and accusing them of consolidating wealth and power, which led to backlash and allegations of invoking antisemitic tropes.
• Paramount and several Jewish organizations condemned Ruffalo’s remarks as classic antisemitic rhetoric, while some Jewish progressive figures supported him, arguing that linking Israel’s actions in Gaza to the merger is an ethical stance, not antisemitism.
• The merger, valued at $110 billion, faces legal challenges from state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America, with growing opposition in Hollywood and political circles concerned about media consolidation and Ellison’s ties to former President Trump.
• Despite the controversy, Ruffalo is set to appear at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of the biopic "Being Heumann," and the merger’s future remains uncertain with a pending trial in March 2027 and financial penalties if the deal fails by October.