Mark Ruffalo comments spark pushback against antisemitism ‘smear campaign’

What the report says

More than 180 prominent Jewish figures, many from the entertainment world, have voiced support for actor Mark Ruffalo after he was accused of antisemitism over his criticism of a planned Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros Discovery merger. Al Jazeera reported that Ruffalo tied the proposed deal to Larry Ellison’s family, Oracle’s work with the Israeli military, and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, prompting a strong response from Paramount and pro-Israel groups.

According to the article, Paramount said Ruffalo was invoking antisemitic tropes when he linked the corporate transaction to “genocide” and “apartheid.” Ruffalo rejected that charge, saying his comments were aimed at Israeli government policy, military technology contracts and the executives involved, not Jewish people. He later clarified that his views were based on his own political beliefs.

The controversy comes amid wider debate over whether criticism of Israel is increasingly being framed as antisemitism. Al Jazeera cited Jewish historian Zachary Foster and legal and political analysts who argued that such accusations are often used to silence pro-Palestinian voices. The report also noted that Ruffalo is among many Hollywood figures who have opposed the merger, and that more than 1,400 entertainment industry workers previously signed a letter warning that the deal would further concentrate media ownership.

The article places the dispute in a broader context of activism, media consolidation and the Gaza war, while noting that the issue has become especially sensitive in the US entertainment and political landscape.