Jewish Artists Support Mark Ruffalo Amid Antisemitism Accusation
On Tuesday, more than 180 Jewish entertainers and artists expressed support for actor Mark Ruffalo. This came after accusations of antisemitism following his opposition to the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount merger.
“We are Jewish artists, writers, creative professionals, faith leaders and thinkers who have, in response to the outrageous smear campaign against our respected colleague Mark Ruffalo, a simple message to share with the world: Enough!”
The letter, reported by Variety, called out the “false and dangerous weaponization” of antisemitism charges against those highlighting connections between the situation in Palestine and domestic liberties. It affirms there is nothing antisemitic in doing so.
Ruffalo was previously accused of propagating “antisemitic tropes” according to Paramount. The controversy followed Ruffalo sharing a video of Safra Catz, discussing Oracle’s role in assisting Israel post the October 7 Hamas attacks. Ruffalo associated Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison in financing the merger proposal and suggested it could support “oppression.”
Artists like Abbi Jacobson, Alex Winter, Gina Gershon, Ilana Glazer, James Schamus, Joel Coen, Larry Charles, Kate Berlant, Naomi Klein, Sarah Sherman, Jane Schoenbrun, Todd Haynes, and Tony Kushner also feel the accusations are unwarranted. They argue that executives linked to the merger indirectly support “ongoing depredations” against Palestinians.
“The AI road to WarnerMount runs through Gaza, and Ellison has often let us know the Orwellian world he has in store for us as he consolidates control over what we watch and how we watch it, knowing that as we watch he and his corrupt cohort will always be watching us,” the letter read.
Many Hollywood figures have defended Ruffalo against the antisemitism charges. The letter contends that pointing out interactions between events in Gaza and Hollywood aligns with “Jewish ethical duty.” They mention that many American Jews believe Israel committed war crimes in Gaza, with some viewing Israel as guilty of genocide.
Ruffalo previously refuted antisemitism claims in discussions with Fox News Digital. He argued that criticizing Israeli political actions, military contracts, or related executives differs from criticizing Jewish individuals.
Despite his explanation, nearly 1,000 industry insiders, calling themselves The Brigade, condemned Ruffalo. They released a statement labeling Ruffalo’s remarks as “simple antisemitism,” noting he depicted Jewish executives negatively.
Elizabeth Barcohana of the California Republican Party commended The Brigade for countering Ruffalo’s influence in opposing the merger. She pointed out Ruffalo’s tendency for “extremist rhetoric,” which she believes undermines his credibility with logical audiences.