John Cusack backs Mark Ruffalo after actor was branded ‘antisemitic’ in Paramount feud

John Cusack has publicly voiced strong support for Mark Ruffalo as tensions across the entertainment industry continue to escalate over political advocacy, studio policies, and accusations of antisemitism surrounding Paramount.

The public backing comes after Ruffalo faced scrutiny and debate from various industry figures and commentators over his vocal political commentary regarding corporate media consolidation and international affairs.

In particular, critics took issue with his criticism of Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison's proposed bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a massive $111 billion merger.

Last week, Ruffalo called out Ellison, the son of billionaire technology mogul Larry Ellison, alleging that Larry is using Oracle—the tech giant he co-founded that provides software and services to the Israeli military—to help finance his son’s studio acquisition.

In his remarks, Ruffalo referenced "genocide" and an "apartheid system," prompting Paramount to issue a statement calling his comments "a bridge too far" and accusing him of invoking "antisemitic tropes in purported service of a business dispute".

While the remarks drew sharp condemnation from some industry figures and advocacy groups, fellow artists have stepped forward in Ruffalo's defense.

Ruffalo has come under fire for his comments around Paramount's bid to acquire Warner Bros

Defending Freedom of Expression

Cusack, known for his outspoken stance on global politics, civil liberties, and Hollywood's internal dynamics, took to social media to push back against attempts to discredit the Avengers star's activism.

He showed his support by sharing Ruffalo’s detailed rebuttal on X: “The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest,” Ruffalo wrote. “Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing the Jewish people.

“This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel. 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. 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.

“This merger has real consequences for real people, and for the entire country. Scrutinizing the Ellisons, including Oracle’s business built on data, surveillance technology and government contracts, and the serious threat to editorial freedom and the loss of a livelihood for thousands of families, is fair and necessary... Until regulators give the public a real answer, the merger shouldn’t move forward. Now is the time to dive boldly into all these issues, not step back or concede.”

Standing firmly behind the statement, Cusack added his own endorsement: “Solidarity — well said”.

Cusack is the latest star to speak out in solidarity with Ruffalo (Katie Jones/Variety via Getty Images)

Growing Industry Tensions

The friction surrounding the proposed merger reflects broader unease in the entertainment capital, where studios have faced mounting pressure from advocacy groups, talent unions, and audiences over how corporate entities handle political speech and talent relationships.

Ruffalo, a longtime advocate for progressive causes, social justice, and environmental initiatives, has frequently used his platform to highlight humanitarian concerns, often finding himself at the center of intense public discourse.

With Cusack stepping forward, the dispute underscores how high-profile performers are continuing to rally behind their peers, refusing to let studio pushback dictate public discourse among creative professionals.