All of the usual suspects are opposed to the proposed merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery because the Ellison family is Republican, and they're afraid that if the merger goes through, "neutral" CNN would be turned into another Fox News. Never-ending whiner and multimillionaire actor Mark Ruffalo went "scorched earth" on the merger, according to Variety, calling out the Ellison family's complicity in the nonexistent Palestinian "genocide."
Mark Ruffalo Goes Scorched Earth on Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger, Calling Out the Ellison Family’s Complicity in Palestinian ‘Genocide’ https://t.co/rESwZUd9C0
— Variety (@Variety) August 21, 2026
Variety reports:
The merger, which is currently being challenged by a dozen state attorney generals, including in California, would reportedly cost 4,500 jobs and also see Paramount Skydance owner David Ellison, a Trump enthusiast (and son of Oracle CEO and Trump megadonor Larry Ellison) in charge of not only the biggest studio in Hollywood but also CNN, which has caused alarm given the MAGA makeover he gave to CBS News.
…
… Ruffalo, who’s been very vocally against the merger as well as Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza that’s claimed the lives of 73,000 Palestinians, posted a passionate message warning against the merger and Oracle’s complicity in “what we now have come to see as a genocide” against Palestinians while questioning why “Trump pushed this illegal merger through.”
"The MAGA makeover he gave to CBS News." And how many of those 73,000 Palestinians were members of Hamas? Variety doesn't mention that.
Paramount issued a lengthy response to Ruffalo's Instagram post (presented here by CNN's Brian Stelter, who has his pudgy fingers crossed that the merger doesn't go through):
Paramount just issued a lengthy statement responding to @MarkRuffalo:
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 21, 2026
"We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute. Words like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid,’ applied to a corporate transaction, aren’t just wrong —… https://t.co/UZqWumZL9w
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The post continues:
… they’re a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe. This doesn't deserve a response in kind — and to be clear, we don’t tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone.
This brings us to a moment to lower the temperature, not raise it. We’d rather build than further engage in such rhetoric. This simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction. On the other hand, our commitment to great content is matched by our commitment to acceptance - to every story, every storyteller, and no blacklists, no exceptions, for anyone.
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. 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."
Good for Paramount, pushing back hard against the disgusting and (at best) ignorant “genocide” smears from Ruffalo. https://t.co/XvVlVfYjoP
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) August 22, 2026
I think it was a very measured response. It fell short of calling Ruffalo what he really is, a full blown antisemite.
— Black, White & Grey (@NBfromLB) August 22, 2026
See? It was never about movies. It was never about jobs. It was never about production workers. It was just about hating Jews.
— Spencer Pratt (@spencerpratt) August 22, 2026
With these stupid communists, the thing is never the thing…it’s always about some crazy political BS. Ruffalo and Bonta are devious clowns. https://t.co/WKiqrITW6P
"Bonta" is Rob Bonta, California's attorney general, who is among those trying to block the merger through lawfare.
Disney sacked @ginacarano for much less. How do they still employ Ruffalo?
— @LedHëd (@LedHed620) August 22, 2026
How much money does Ruffalo take from Disney?
— Rhyse The Beast ! (@RhyseTheBeast1) August 22, 2026
Mark Ruffalo is the Hasan Piker of Hollywood. He’s a rage-baiting grifter with a wounded inner child trying to stay relevant in an industry that is tattered by pedophilia, trafficking, extortion, murder, virtue signaling and egocentrism. Their audience has moved on.
— Naé Gusto (@vamosadvntr) August 22, 2026
Not strong enough. Why is this moron still around? If he were blacklisting and spewing hate about gays or black people - he would have been ostracized long ago. Why does @ParamountPics issue this watery statement? Distance yourself from this lying, antisemitic bigot.
— Melanie (@MelanieUSA1) August 22, 2026
There is no genocide. Hamas started a war and lost. Badly.
— Chris Edwards (@Chris5piece) August 21, 2026
Disregarded. Ignored. Irrelevant.
— csmith123891 (@CS56582359) August 21, 2026
Here's some 🧀 with your 🍷, Mark! You incredible shmuck!
It’s not scorched earth. Just another vile antisemitic rant from a lunatic. Why does anyone keep employing him?
— Megan Martin MD, MPH (@Megmd514) August 22, 2026
Is there a bigger douche on earth than Ruffalo? I can’t think of one
— Colt Sebring (@ColtSebring) August 22, 2026
Mark Ruffalo……the actor. Well shit, I’ve been waiting to hear his expert opinion on the merger and Israel. Now my mind is made up. pic.twitter.com/6HpzOZipw3
— Jason Talley (@JasonT1015) August 22, 2026
I wake up most mornings not giving a fuck about what Mark Ruffalo thinks or says. Today is another one of those. I mean I genuinely didn’t care.
— Basil Ringrose (@BasilRingrose) August 22, 2026
Now I really hope Paramount gets the merger because they will cancel Mark Ruffalo's antisemtic ass.
— Saren Smith (@SarenBeTrue) August 22, 2026
And the contracts of half of CNN's on-air talent, we hope.
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