ALBAWABA - Renowned actor Mark Ruffalo took to X (formerly Twitter) and responded to Paramount, which accused him of "antisemitism" after he criticized Larry Ellison’s Oracle for playing a role in the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza since 2023.
While Oracle does not own Paramount, the connection comes through Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, who is the CEO of Paramount Skydance.
Ruffalo took to X and wrote, "The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest. Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people."
He added, "This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel. To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect. Everything I know about acting, activism and humanism has been profoundly shaped by the Jewish friends, colleagues and loved ones who have been integral and family throughout every point of my life."
Mark Ruffalo slams Paramount’s 'Antisemitic' accusation
The renowned actor has previously also criticized Paramount's $111 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, citing "profoundly scary technologies" that "will most likely be merged into one of the largest media conglomerates in the world."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount responded to Mark Ruffalo's criticism in a lengthy statement:
The representative wrote, "We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute. Words like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid,’ applied to a corporate transaction, aren’t just wrong — they’re a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe. This doesn’t deserve a response in kind — and to be clear, we don’t tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone."
They added, "We understand people feel strongly about this merger and are hopeful and expect that it will be judged based on the legal merits, not underlying bias. We’re asking for the same good faith we’re extending: less rhetoric, more understanding. Paramount’s future is being written for everyone who wants to make and watch great stories."
Mark Rufallo has constantly voiced his solidarity with Palestine by calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza through social media and celebrity events.
It is important to note that the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza has resulted in the killing of over 73,000 Palestinians and the injuring of 174,000 others, including women and children, excluding people dead or missing under the rubble.
