Mark Ruffalo Fights Paramount Merger Over Oracle Ties

Actor Mark Ruffalo is spearheading opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros merger, specifically targeting the financial backing provided by Larry Ellison's companies. Ruffalo raised serious concerns by sharing a video of Oracle's executive vice chair, Safra Catz, discussing the company's supply of "really profoundly scary technology" to the Israeli military amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. He asserted that this technology is instrumental in funding the acquisition, controlled by David Ellison, and expressed fears of its eventual use against the public within a consolidated media giant.

Ruffalo further elaborated on his objections, labeling Larry Ellison an "oligarch" and criticizing the merger as an "antitrust case" that could harm workers, consumers, and the film industry. He predicts a loss of approximately 4500 direct filmmaking jobs and an additional 10,000 ancillary jobs, alongside increased cable costs and diminished audience choice due to reduced competition. These statements contrast sharply with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's recent endorsement of the merger, urging all parties to facilitate its completion.

This opposition builds on previous efforts, including Ruffalo's collaboration with attorney Norm Eisen in April to urge state officials to block the hostile takeover. An open letter, organized by groups like the Committee for the First Amendment and the Writers Guild of America, garnered over 5,000 signatures, arguing the merger threatens the entire creative community's sustainability. Notably, Netflix had previously withdrawn its bid in February, deeming Paramount Skydance's offer superior.