Ruffalo Links Oracle’s Israel Technology Support to Warner Bros. Acquisition
Mark Ruffalo has intensified his campaign against Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, raising fresh questions about Oracle and the Ellison family’s involvement in the massive media deal.
The Avengers star used a series of Instagram Stories on Friday to criticise Oracle co-founder and executive chairman Larry Ellison and his son, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery agreed in February to a transaction valuing WBD at an enterprise value of approximately $110 billion, according to Paramount’s official announcement.
Ruffalo reshared an older video featuring Oracle executive vice chair Safra Catz discussing technology the company made available to Israel following the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.
In the clip, Catz said Oracle had provided technological support connected to Israel’s military response and referred to some of the company’s capabilities as highly powerful technology.
Ruffalo then linked those comments to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery transaction because Larry Ellison is the father of David Ellison and has financially supported his son’s business ambitions.
The actor warned his followers that the concentration of technology, financial power and media ownership could create broader risks.
He also accused Oracle and the Ellison family of contributing to Israel’s actions in Gaza and urged supporters to oppose the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. His characterisations represent Ruffalo’s political views and allegations, not findings about the merger itself.
Paramount Hits Back as Merger Faces Legal Opposition From 12 US States
Ruffalo’s criticism comes while Paramount is already fighting major legal opposition to the acquisition.
A coalition of 12 US states led by California has challenged the deal on antitrust grounds, arguing that combining Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery could reduce competition in the film and television industries.
The Writers Guild of America has also filed a separate challenge, arguing that the merger could reduce demand for screenwriters.
Despite those lawsuits, Paramount said on August 14 that it had secured all regulatory clearances required under its merger agreement, including approvals across nearly 70 countries. Legal challenges in the United States, however, continue to threaten the timing of the transaction.
Paramount is now seeking a $1.88 billion bond from the states challenging the deal.
The company says delays beyond September 30 could trigger approximately $7 million per day in additional payments to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders under the merger agreement.
Paramount also responded directly to Ruffalo’s latest criticism on Saturday.
A company spokesperson accused the actor of invoking antisemitic tropes and rejected his attempt to connect the corporate transaction with allegations involving Israel and Gaza.
Paramount said it does not tolerate prejudice and argued that terms such as genocide and apartheid should not be used to characterise a corporate acquisition. Ruffalo has not withdrawn his criticism.
Hollywood Jobs Become Another Flashpoint in $110 Billion Merger Battle
Concerns surrounding the merger now extend beyond competition and political controversy.
A recent economic analysis commissioned in Los Angeles County estimated that the combination could contribute to the loss of around 4,500 film and television production jobs in Los Angeles County over three years.
The broader economic impact could reach more than 10,000 jobs across related industries, according to reporting on the study.
Ruffalo amplified reporting about the potential job losses as part of his campaign against the transaction.
Paramount has rejected arguments that the acquisition would weaken Hollywood.
The company has pledged to invest approximately $30 billion annually in content and produce at least 30 theatrical releases each year after the merger.
Paramount argues that combining its film, television and streaming businesses with Warner Bros. Discovery would create a stronger competitor to major entertainment companies such as Netflix and Disney.
The combined group would control an enormous collection of entertainment brands and franchises, including Warner Bros., HBO, DC, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Paramount Pictures, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Ruffalo, however, continues to argue that concentrating that level of media influence under one corporate structure presents serious risks.
The dispute is now unfolding on several fronts at once: antitrust law, Hollywood employment, media consolidation and Ruffalo’s wider political criticism of the Ellison family.
With lawsuits still pending, the fate of the $110 billion acquisition remains uncertain despite Paramount having secured the regulatory approvals required under its merger agreement.
