Paramount Pictures issued a statement on August 22, 2026, responding to actor Mark Ruffalo's remarks regarding the proposed merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Oracle, a company associated with Larry Ellison. Paramount accused Ruffalo of invoking antisemitic tropes in his criticism of the merger, which he linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict. A spokesperson for Paramount stated that the use of terms like 'genocide' and 'apartheid' in the context of a business transaction is inappropriate and diminishes the significance of those terms. The spokesperson emphasized that the company does not tolerate any form of prejudice.
Ruffalo had previously expressed concerns on social media about the merger, suggesting it could consolidate power among elites and negatively impact the film industry, potentially leading to job losses. He referred to Ellison as a 'classic Oligarch' and criticized the technologies Oracle provides to the Israeli military. The comments from both parties highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the merger, which is currently facing legal challenges from several state attorneys general.
The exchange reflects broader societal debates regarding corporate influence and political activism in the entertainment industry.