Mark Ruffalo Fires Back at Paramount Skydance Over Antisemitism 2026

Mark Ruffalo has fired back at Paramount Skydance after the media company accused him of invoking “antisemitic tropes” in his criticism of its $111bn merger with Warner Bros Discovery (WBD). The actor, known for his outspoken views on Gaza and Palestinian rights, shared a statement on social media Friday highlighting the ties between Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison, and Oracle, the tech firm founded by his father, Larry Ellison. Ruffalo’s response underscores a growing celebrity clash over corporate involvement in geopolitical conflicts.

Ruffalo’s Accusation: Oracle’s Ties to Israel

In his social media post, Ruffalo shared a video of Oracle executive vice-chair Safra Catz describing the “really profoundly scary technology” the company provided to Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Above the video, Ruffalo accused Larry Ellison of “using [Oracle] to fund his son David’s Warner Bros acquisition.” Larry Ellison, worth an estimated $189bn, agreed to personally backstop $40.4bn in equity financing for the Paramount Skydance–WBD merger.

Oracle has supplied software to the Israel Defense Forces, ministry of defense, air force, government, and police for decades. Shmulik Hauser, head of Oracle’s sales division, told Ynet last year: “Supporting Israel is in our DNA – even if it costs us clients. That’s our agenda.” Ruffalo’s criticism targets this corporate relationship, which he argues conflicts with the merger’s media influence.

Paramount Skydance’s Response and Accusation

Paramount Skydance responded by accusing Ruffalo of using “antisemitic tropes” in his criticism. The company did not specify which tropes, but the accusation suggests Ruffalo’s focus on Jewish executives (the Ellisons) and their ties to Israel may be perceived as crossing into harmful stereotypes. This is a common charge when critics highlight Jewish individuals’ roles in corporate or political matters, even when the critique is policy-based.

Key Points in the Controversy

• Ruffalo’s post focuses on Oracle’s military contracts with Israel, not on Jewish identity per se.
• Paramount Skydance’s merger with WBD involves significant financial backing from Larry Ellison.
• The actor has a history of pro-Palestinian activism, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Comparison: Corporate Ties and Celebrity Activism

Reactions and Broader Implications

Ruffalo’s response has sparked debate among fans and critics. Supporters praise his courage to question corporate power, while detractors argue his focus on Jewish executives is problematic. The controversy highlights the challenges celebrities face when navigating geopolitical issues in the public eye.

This is not the first time Ruffalo has clashed with Hollywood over Israel. He previously signed open letters urging President Biden to push for a ceasefire and has participated in pro-Palestinian rallies. His activism has earned him both accolades and backlash, but he remains unapologetic.

Key Takeaways

• Ruffalo’s criticism centers on Oracle’s defense contracts, not Jewish identity.
• Paramount Skydance’s accusation of antisemitism may be a strategic move to deflect criticism.
• The merger’s financial backing by Larry Ellison raises ethical questions about media ownership.
• Celebrity activism can influence public discourse but also invites intense backlash.

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