Jewish Hollywood Figures Split Over Ruffalo’s Merger Critique

Key points

• Ruffalo posted on social media in late August, linking Paramount CEO David Ellison’s father, Larry Ellison, and Oracle to an 'apartheid system of oppression' in Gaza, calling the conflict a genocide.
• Paramount responded by accusing Ruffalo of invoking 'antisemitic tropes' to delegitimize opposition to the merger, a stance supported by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Anti-Defamation League.
• An open letter signed by more than 170 Jewish figures, including George Clooney, Joel Coen, and Tony Kushner, defended Ruffalo, stating that connecting Gaza’s situation to Hollywood consolidation is a 'Jewish ethical duty,' not antisemitism.
• The $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery is currently stalled due to an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America, with a trial scheduled for March 2027.
• Kenneth Lonergan, a close friend of Ruffalo, defended the actor against antisemitism charges while explicitly disagreeing with his positions on the Middle East, calling the accusations a 'cynical and disgusting lie.'

Background

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of a broader industry fight over media consolidation. Previous coverage noted that the merger had already faced significant opposition from Hollywood rank-and-file and political figures concerned about the influence of billionaire Larry Ellison and his ties to President Donald Trump. The current dispute adds a layer of ethical and religious debate to the existing antitrust and political challenges facing the deal.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets highlight a sharp divide in the response. The Forward and Variety emphasize the scale of the defense, noting that over 170 Jewish personalities, including major filmmakers and actors, signed a letter calling the antisemitism charges a 'weaponization' of the term. The Los Angeles Times focuses on the business implications, noting that the merger is stalled by antitrust lawsuits and that Paramount is facing pressure to settle or move its headquarters. The Hollywood Reporter highlights the personal dimension, featuring Kenneth Lonergan’s letter which defends Ruffalo’s character while criticizing his political views. Paramount and groups like the Simon Wiesenthal Center maintain that Ruffalo’s language regarding Jewish wealth and power constitutes classic antisemitic rhetoric, a view Ruffalo and his supporters reject as a deflection from legitimate criticism of corporate power.

Why it matters

The dispute illustrates how political and ethical debates are increasingly entangled with corporate mergers in the media industry. It highlights the growing tension between progressive activism and corporate consolidation, as well as the complex dynamics within the Jewish community regarding Israel, Gaza, and corporate power. The outcome of the antitrust case and the public perception of the merger will likely influence future media consolidation efforts and the role of technology companies in global conflicts.

What to watch

The merger is currently stalled, with a trial scheduled for March 2027. Paramount faces a 'ticking fee' of $7 million per day if the deal does not close by October. The company has threatened to move its headquarters out of California if the antitrust fight continues. Ruffalo is scheduled to attend the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of 'Being Heumann' in September, where he may face further scrutiny or support from the public and industry figures.