George Clooney Defends Mark Ruffalo After Paramount’s Bizarre Antisemitism Accusations

George Clooney has come to the defense of Mark Ruffalo after Paramount Skydance publicly accused the actor of antisemitism. The controversy erupted after the 58-year-old Avengers star openly spoke out against the proposed mega-merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Speaking at a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, 65-year-old Clooney strongly defended his colleague’s right to free speech.

“I support Mark Ruffalo’s right to speak freely. I think these accusations are ridiculous. We are not going to ban free speech,” Clooney said. “I believe in free speech even when I completely disagree with what is being said. That’s important, isn’t it? In fact, that’s part of how democracy works.”

The actor added that he knows Ruffalo personally and considers him “a good man” whose right to express his own opinions should be protected regardless of whether others agree with him.

The clash between Ruffalo and Paramount executives began after the actor criticized the proposed corporate merger. Ruffalo insisted that his objections were solely about military contracts and corporate policy decisions, rather than the national or ethnic background of the companies’ leadership. He has also previously been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, describing it as genocide.

The main target of Ruffalo and his supporters’ criticism has been Paramount CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Oracle has previously provided technological support to Israel, a relationship that has also sparked heated debate in Hollywood.

Ruffalo has already received significant support from within the entertainment industry. Nearly 200 prominent Jewish figures from the world of entertainment previously signed an open letter defending the actor. The initiative was spearheaded by actress Hannah Einbinder.