More than 170 members of the Jewish community in the entertainment industry, including Hannah Einbinder, Joel Coen, and Canadian filmmaker Emma Seligman, have signed an open letter in support of American actor Mark Ruffalo, denouncing what they describe as an unwarranted attack on his character.
The letter, which was made public on Tuesday, highlights the backlash Ruffalo has faced for his criticism of Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and his observations linking the deal to the conflict in Gaza. Paramount Skydance, a company partially owned by CEO David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, has been vocal about its support for Israel, with an executive previously acknowledging technology sharing with the Israeli army.
Ruffalo’s comments have stirred controversy, with Paramount alleging that he used antisemitic tropes in his critique of the merger. However, the latest letter signed by Jewish members of the entertainment industry defends Ruffalo’s stance, emphasizing that his concerns are directed at specific actions and not at the Jewish community as a whole.
The ongoing dispute between Ruffalo and Paramount has garnered attention, especially as the $110 billion US merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. has been delayed until June 2027 due to legal challenges from several U.S. state attorneys general citing antitrust concerns. The merger would create a major Hollywood powerhouse controlling significant properties like Harry Potter, the DC superhero franchise, and CNN.
Notable signatories to the letter supporting Ruffalo include author Naomi Klein, retired rabbi David Mivasair, physician Gabor Maté, American actor Ilana Glazer, and filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun, who all stand in solidarity with Ruffalo’s right to express his views without facing unjust accusations of antisemitism.
Ruffalo, in his social media posts, has raised objections to the merger on the grounds of potential antitrust issues and criticized Oracle for its involvement with the Israeli military. His remarks have sparked a broader discussion on the intersection of corporate interests, international politics, and freedom of expression in the entertainment industry.
The conflict surrounding Ruffalo’s statements underscores the complex dynamics at play within the entertainment sector and the importance of fostering open dialogue while respecting diverse perspectives.