VENICE — Oscar-winning actor and director George Clooney has publicly defended fellow actor Mark Ruffalo following allegations of antisemitism raised by Paramount over Ruffalo’s opposition to the proposed Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Speaking at a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, Clooney addressed the escalating industry feud, calling the backlash against Ruffalo “ridiculous” and emphasizing the core democratic principle of free expression:
“I support Mark Ruffalo’s ability to speak freely… I think that that’s ridiculous. We’re not going to ban speech. I believe in free speech even when I completely disagree with it. That’s important, right? In fact, it’s part of how a democracy works… I will always support Mark Ruffalo’s ability to speak freely. I like him. He’s a good man.”
The dispute stems from Ruffalo’s vocal opposition to Paramount Skydance’s acquisition bid, where he criticized the Ellison family’s military technology contracts with Israel and corporate media consolidation. Paramount condemned the comments, asserting that Ruffalo invoked antisemitic tropes, an accusation Ruffalo vehemently denied and which prompted an open letter of support signed by over 170 Jewish entertainment figures.
While Clooney noted his own reservations regarding corporate media mergers and potential job losses in Hollywood, his primary focus remained on upholding open discourse within the film industry.