Jewish Artists Defend Ruffalo Against Antisemitism Claims

Over 180 Jewish artists, including prominent figures like Joel Coen, Hannah Einbinder, and Todd Haynes, have signed an open letter defending actor Mark Ruffalo against accusations of antisemitism from Paramount Skydance. According to multiple reports, the letter argues that Ruffalo's criticism of Oracle's military contracts with Israel is not driven by antisemitism but rather a matter of ethical duty.

Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison, accused Ruffalo of invoking antisemitic tropes in his opposition to the company's proposed $111 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery. As reported by The Guardian, Paramount stated that it was 'troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute.' However, the open letter signed by Jewish artists dismisses this accusation as an 'outrageous smear campaign' and emphasizes that pointing out connections between actions in Gaza and Hollywood is not antisemitism but rather the essence of Jewish ethical duty.

The letter highlights the potential consequences of the merger, including job losses and further consolidation of media control. It also mentions Oracle's role in providing technology to Israel's military efforts in Gaza, which Ruffalo has criticized. According to Los Angeles Times, Paramount's board has approved a contingency plan to move its headquarters from Hollywood as early as this fall if the merger is not completed.

The open letter also references Oracle's involvement in the Trump-brokered sale of TikTok and Larry Ellison's funding of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. It argues that the merger is part of a larger project of tech-driven domination linked to support for ongoing depredations in Palestine.

Ruffalo has defended himself, stating that his criticism is directed at military contracts and executive actions, not Jewish people. He has also expressed concern about the potential impact of the merger on the entertainment industry and job losses. The letter's signatories stand with Ruffalo and call for an end to the weaponization of antisemitism charges against those who criticize these issues.

George Clooney has defended Mark Ruffalo’s right to criticise the proposed $111bn Paramount takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, saying he is concerned about the consequences of further consolidation in Hollywood. Speaking ahead of receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney said he supported Ruffalo’s “ability to speak freely” about the proposed merger while expressing his own doubts about the deal.

Experts say the Ruffalo-Paramount controversy is one of countless examples of a longstanding problem – that accusations of antisemitism are increasingly being used to discredit criticism of Israel, particularly as public opinion in the United States becomes more critical of the country’s conduct in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, Zachary Foster, a Jewish historian of Palestine, described the anti-Semitism accusation against Ruffalo as “a totally nonsensical, irrational double standard.”

The controversy has drawn support from other Hollywood figures, including Jane Fonda and John Cusack. The letter's signatories include filmmaker Joel Coen, actor Joaquin Phoenix, and director Jonathan Glazer. Despite the backlash, public opinion on Israel is changing, with polls showing a decline in sympathy for Israel among Americans.