Mark Ruffalo rejected Paramount Skydance’s accusation of antisemitism over his remarks about Oracle’s role in Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the U.S. actor described the accusation that he was antisemitic as “appalling and fundamentally dishonest.” Ruffalo said that criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, military technology agreements or the executives who provide that technology did not constitute hostility toward Jewish people.
Ruffalo said his position reflected his political beliefs and that he felt “deep love and respect” for Jewish people. He said his criticism was directed not at the Ellison family’s Jewish identity, but at corporate conduct, political decisions and the concentration of media power in a single entity.
Oracle and the media deal connection
The dispute began after Ruffalo shared a video of former Oracle CEO Safra Catz discussing technologies developed by the company for the Israeli military.
Ruffalo alleged that Oracle provides technologies used in Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The actor also questioned the company’s connection to Paramount Skydance’s plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison and is contributing to the financing of the proposed deal.
Paramount accused Ruffalo of resorting to antisemitic tropes during a public policy debate and described his comments as inappropriate and offensive. Ruffalo rejected the accusation, saying his criticism was directed not at the Ellison family’s Jewish identity, but at corporate conduct, political decisions and the concentration of media power.
The Warner Bros. Discovery deal
Ruffalo also reiterated his opposition to a merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. He argued that the merger of the two media companies could threaten editorial independence, lead to job losses and excessively concentrate influence over news and entertainment in the hands of a single company.
The proposed deal would combine Paramount’s film studio, CBS, Paramount+ platform and other networks with Warner Bros. Discovery assets such as Warner Bros., CNN, HBO and HBO Max.
The deal faces an antitrust lawsuit filed by California and 11 other U.S. states. The states argue that the merger could reduce competition in film distribution and cable television, leading to higher prices, fewer productions and job losses.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery reached an agreement on the proposed deal in February.
