John Cusack backs Mark Ruffalo as he denies ‘antisemitism’ claims over Paramount-WBD merger

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: John Cusack publicly supported Mark Ruffalo after the 'Avengers' actor defended himself against claims of 'antisemitism' stemming from his criticism of Paramount Skydance and its proposed merger with Warner Bros Discovery.

Cusack wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, August 22: "Solidarity. Well said," in reply to Ruffalo's comment.

Speaking about the backlash, Ruffalo wrote, “The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest.”

John Cusack backs Mark Ruffalo amid antisemitism backlash

Cusack shared Ruffalo’s lengthy post on August 23 following Paramount’s criticism of the actor’s remarks.

For those who are unaware, last week Ruffalo criticized tech company Oracle, owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount Skydance boss David Ellison.

The actor was slammed by Paramount in a statement accusing Ruffalo of invoking “antisemitic tropes.”

“The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest. Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people,” he wrote.

In his response, Ruffalo, who has been an opponent of Paramount’s $111 billion effort to buy Warner Bros, rejected the claim.

Ruffalo continued, “To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect."

He continued, "Everything I know about acting, activism, and humanism has been profoundly shaped by the Jewish friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have been integral and family throughout every point of my life."

Mark Ruffalo’s Paramount feud deepens over Warner Bros merger

Ruffalo has been very vocal about his opposition to Paramount Skydance’s plan to buy Warner Bros Discovery for $111 billion since the news first came out in February.

The chairman of Paramount Skydance, David Ellison, is the son of Larry Ellison, who helped start Oracle and is a known friend of President Donald Trump.

Now, the latest drama started after Ruffalo spoke out against a video clip of Safra Catz. For those unaware, Catz is the vice chair at Oracle and also serves as a member of the Paramount board.

As per Us Weekly, Paramount later addressed the backlash surrounding the merger, saying, “We understand people feel strongly about this merger and are hopeful and expect that it will be judged based on the legal merits, not underlying bias."

They continued, "We’re asking for the same good faith we’re extending: less rhetoric, more understanding. Paramount’s future is being written for everyone who wants to make and watch great stories.”