(Image Source: Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. Pictures, Marvel Studios)
Marvel's "Hulk" star Mark Ruffalo, known for his outspoken activism on social issues, has repeatedly voiced his opposition to Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery since last year. He not only signed a petition against the merger but also attended a hearing to blast Paramount Skydance, accusing the company of seeking to monopolize media and restrict press freedom. More recently, Ruffalo took to his personal Instagram Stories (pictured below) to criticize how the financial backers behind Paramount Skydance are allegedly fueling Israel's "genocide" against Palestinians.
These financial backers include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, father of Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, who funded his son's acquisition bid. Ruffalo shared a video on his Instagram Story featuring Oracle Executive Vice Chair Safra A. Catz proudly revealing that Oracle provides technological support for the Israeli military's operations.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
Ruffalo didn't mince words in his Instagram post, alleging that the technology used to carry out "genocide" could potentially be introduced to Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery in the future. He directly accused Larry Ellison of being a typical oligarch, seeking to consolidate global wealth to cement his power. Ruffalo also reiterated his warning that the merger would inevitably lead to a reduction in film production, resulting in significant job losses in Hollywood, and that creative control would fall into the hands of individuals like Catz, whom he described as having malicious intentions.
Following the widespread circulation of Ruffalo's post, Paramount Skydance quickly issued a rebuttal through a spokesperson, dismissing his comments as "antisemitic" and excessive, stating they should not be conflated with business disputes. The spokesperson declared, "We do not tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone."