Condemnation of Mark Ruffalo’s Remarks
Three organizations—the Anti-Defamation League, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and the Creative Community for Peace—have come together to denounce actor Mark Ruffalo for comments deemed antisemitic.
Recently, Ruffalo criticized Larry and David Ellison, labeling them as “oligarchs” involved in what he called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. Additionally, he voiced concerns about the planned merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
On Saturday, these pro-Jewish groups expressed their support for Paramount’s response to Ruffalo’s remarks, which they found unacceptable. The Simon Wiesenthal Center issued a statement praising Paramount for taking a firm stand against prejudice disguised as political or corporate critique. They emphasized that in an era when antisemitism is often downplayed or rationalized, such clarity is crucial. They also pointed out that dragging Israel into irrelevant discussions showcases a troubling obsession and calls for more leaders to identify antisemitism, no matter who perpetuates it.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, also chimed in, labeling Ruffalo’s recent posts as “cynical and sickening.” He advised that rather than opposing the merger with unfounded claims, Ruffalo should stick to factual arguments that relate to the industry. Greenblatt criticized the actor’s casual reference to Jewish identity while making unfounded accusations about Israel, calling it a form of gaslighting.
He warned that reckless words like those from Ruffalo continue to jeopardize Jewish communities worldwide, especially amidst a backdrop of rising antisemitic incidents.
The Creative Community for Peace has called for a boycott of Ruffalo due to what they see as a shift from valid criticisms of Israel to extreme antisemitic discourse. CCFP’s executive director, Ari Ingel, stated that Ruffalo’s comments seem to link animosity toward Israel with negative stereotypes of Jewish wealth and influence.
Ingel stressed that such rhetoric is unacceptable in Hollywood, urging for Ruffalo to retract his statements and apologize, stating that no one in the industry should support him unless he does.
