More than 180 Jewish entertainers and artists have expressed their support for actor Mark Ruffalo following allegations of antisemitism related to his opposition to a proposed Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount merger. According to Variety, the signatories include writers, creative professionals, faith leaders, and thinkers who have condemned what they perceive as a smear campaign against Ruffalo.
The letter argues that accusations of antisemitism are unfounded and dangerous when applied to individuals highlighting connections between domestic liberties and the situation faced by Palestinians. The group contends that the criticism of such connections is not antisemitic.
Ruffalo faced scrutiny from Paramount for alleged antisemitic remarks after sharing a video featuring Safra Catz, an Oracle executive and Paramount board member, which discussed technology used to assist Israel after attacks by Hamas on October 7th. Ruffalo connected Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s financial involvement in the merger discussions to potential oppressive outcomes for media conglomerates, suggesting they might be leveraged against consumers.
The artists backing Ruffalo include notable figures such as Abbi Jacobson, Alex Winter, Gina Gershon, and Tony Kushner. They challenge accusations against Ruffalo, citing the explicit connections made by executives between their financial support and actions impacting Palestinians.
Additionally, the letter states that many American Jews now believe that Israel has committed war crimes against Gaza, with a portion considering those actions genocidal, calling for an end to unfounded antisemitism charges against critics like Ruffalo.
Despite Paramount’s denunciation, Ruffalo has denied promoting antisemitism, asserting that criticism directed at Israeli political actions, military contracts, or executives is distinct from criticizing Jewish individuals.
“The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest,” Ruffalo said. “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.”
A separate group, The Brigade, comprising nearly 1,000 industry insiders, issued a statement condemning Ruffalo. They regarded the actor’s comments as perpetuating antisemitic tropes about Jewish executives. Elizabeth Barcohana, of the California Republican Party, criticized Ruffalo’s activism in Hollywood, applauding The Brigade for opposing the spread of antisemitism within the entertainment industry.
“Ruffalo as an anti-merger spokesman is an odd choice given his extremist rhetoric that has completely discredited him with rational people,” Barcohana said.
Ruffalo has maintained his stance, emphasizing that his criticisms are directed at policies and practices rather than the Jewish community.