Mark Ruffalo receives support from artists after Paramount controversy

Actor Mark Ruffalo received a public letter of support signed by more than 180 Jewish entertainment industry figures after being accused of antisemitism by Paramount. The controversy began when the actor criticized the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, linking the deal to military and technological interests in Israel. The manifesto in defense of Ruffalo describes the accusations against him as an unfounded smear campaign.

Origin of the controversy with Paramount

On August 21, Ruffalo posted a video of Oracle executive Safra Catz commenting on technologies used to assist the Israeli military. The actor linked the case to the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, claiming that Oracle, led by Larry Ellison, would fund his son David Ellison's acquisition. Ruffalo stated that the mentioned technologies "will likely be merged into one of the largest media conglomerates in the world and one day used against you," in addition to questioning former President Trump's role in the matter. In response, a Paramount spokesperson accused the actor of resorting to antisemitic tropes.

Mark Ruffalo's stance

Ruffalo immediately pushed back against the accusations, calling Paramount's reaction shocking and dishonest. For the actor, "criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who provide it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people." He argued that criticism of the Israeli government, military contracts, or executives does not equate to attacks on Jewish people.

The letter of support from Jewish professionals

More than 180 Jewish artists, writers, creative professionals, religious leaders, and thinkers signed an open letter in defense of Ruffalo. Among the signatories are well-known names such as Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Glazer, Joel Coen, Todd Haynes, Ilana Glazer, Hannah Einbinder, James Schamus, Emma Seligman, Tony Kushner, Jane Schoenbrun, and Wallace Shawn. The document states that pointing out connections between the war in Gaza and Hollywood interests does not constitute antisemitism, but rather "the very essence of Jewish ethical duty." Ilana Glazer declared that using this accusation to silence the actor is dangerous and absurd.

Criticism of the corporate merger's impacts

The letter signed by the Jewish professionals also attacks the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The text points out that the combination of the companies will destroy thousands of livelihoods, consolidate oligarchical control of the media, and stifle creativity. The manifesto also cites Larry Ellison and Safra Catz, linking Oracle's artificial intelligence technologies to control projects in the Gaza territory.

Statements from other film industry names

In addition to the group of Jewish figures, other Hollywood heavyweights have spoken out about the case. Filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan had already defended Ruffalo, calling the accusations of antisemitism absurd and dishonest. Recently, during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, actor George Clooney also supported Ruffalo, defending his freedom of speech and criticizing the merger for its financial risks and job losses.

With information from Folha de S.Paulo, Omelete, diariodamidia.com.br.