Mark Ruffalo discusses an open letter urging opposition to the proposed Paramount–Warner Bros. merger and says some Hollywood figures declined to sign it. In an op-ed for The New York Times co-written with Matt Stoller of the American Economic Liberties Project, Ruffalo says the significance lies not only in the names that signed, but also in those who did not. He argues that many non-signers appear to be deterred by fear of industry consequences, describing what he calls “a deep, ugly and pervasive fear of speaking out.”
Ruffalo also frames the concern as not necessarily implying the merger’s critics are wrong, saying the reluctance is “not unjustified.” Deadline reports that he connects the hesitancy to potential retaliation risks, including the possibility of being blacklisted. The open letter has drawn nearly 5,000 signatories, reflecting broad opposition, but Ruffalo is calling attention to the concerns of those who choose not to participate publicly despite sharing similar views.
