Paramount rebuts Mark Ruffalo's criticism of Warner Bros merger, cites antisemitic language

Paramount Pictures responded on Friday to actor Mark Ruffalo’s social-media criticism of the company’s proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The studio said Ruffalo’s post used language such as “genocide” and “apartheid” in reference to a corporate transaction, which it described as “antisemitic tropes” that cheapen real suffering.

“We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute. Words like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid,’ applied to a corporate transaction, aren’t just wrong — they’re a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe,” the statement read. The company added that it does not tolerate prejudice, called for a reduction in heated rhetoric, and emphasized its commitment to inclusive storytelling. Ruffalo had shared an older video of former Oracle CEO Safra Catz discussing “profoundly scary technology” and wrote that the merger would concentrate power and harm workers. He later told the New York Post that accusations of antisemitism were “appalling” and “fundamentally dishonest,” asserting his criticism was directed at corporate actions, not Jewish people. Representatives for Oracle and Warner Bros. did not immediately comment. The merger is facing antitrust challenges from twelve states, which have asked a federal judge to require a $1.88 billion bond to cover potential delays. Paramount faces a daily penalty of $7 million if the deal does not close by Sept. 30.