Clooney Defends Ruffalo Amid Paramount Antisemitism Accusations

George Clooney defended fellow actor Mark Ruffalo on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, amid a controversy sparked by Paramount's accusations of antisemitism against Ruffalo for his criticism of the company's proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Speaking at a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney called the allegations against Ruffalo "ridiculous" and affirmed his support for free speech. The dispute centers on Ruffalo's vocal opposition to the planned $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. Ruffalo has criticized the deal on financial grounds and has also targeted the Ellison family, which controls Paramount Skydance. David Ellison, the company's chief executive, is the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. In social media posts last month, Ruffalo highlighted Oracle's business ties to the Israeli military and accused the Ellison family of being complicit in what he described as the "genocide of Palestinians." In response, Paramount issued a statement last month accusing Ruffalo of invoking "antisemitic tropes" in a business dispute.