Mark Ruffalo to Protest Against Paramount CEO’s Dinner Honoring Trump

Actor Mark Ruffalo is set to lead a protest against Paramount CEO David Ellison, who will host a dinner honoring President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on April 23. This event is taking place amidst Ellison’s efforts to gain regulatory approval for Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, a move met with significant resistance from various prominent figures in Hollywood, including Ruffalo.

The protest is scheduled for the same day, outside the U.S. Institute of Peace building. Concerns have been raised about Ellison’s position, especially given the ongoing merger process. Critics have pointed out the potential for a conflict of interest as Ellison is pursuing a $110 billion deal.

In a press release, concerns were highlighted about the implications of this merger, stating it could further consolidate the media landscape, limit the diversity of television news, and shrink the number of major studios to just four. The merger, if approved, could place CBS, CNN, and TikTok under one family’s control. Additionally, promises have been made to Trump regarding changes to CNN that could lead to job losses and reduced opportunities for creators.

Over 2,000 members of the Hollywood community, including screenwriters, actors, and directors, have signed an open letter opposing this acquisition. However, not everyone in the industry is against it. Academy Award-winning director James Cameron has publicly supported the merger, describing Ellison as “the right man for the job.” He expressed confidence in Ellison’s abilities, likening him to an old-school producer who is passionate about storytelling.