Paramount studios reportedly has blacklist of pro-Palestine actors

• Paramount Global reportedly maintains an internal blacklist of industry figures deemed "overtly antisemitic," with criteria extending to those who publicly support Palestinian causes or criticize ‘Israel’.
• The policy coincides with the studio's merger and new leadership under pro-‘Israel’ CEO David Ellison, who has prioritized combating what the company perceives as anti-‘Israel’ campaigns

Major Hollywood studio Paramount Global faces allegations of maintaining an internal blacklist targeting actors, filmmakers, and other industry figures deemed "overtly antisemitic," among other criteria such as xenophobia or homophobia.

The claims surfaced in reports from industry insiders, suggesting the list influences hiring and collaboration decisions.

This development coincides with the studio's recent merger with Skydance Media, ushering in a new era under pro-’Israel’ CEO David Ellison.

The blacklist reportedly includes individuals who have publicly voiced support for Palestinian causes, particularly those critical of ‘Israel's’ assault on Gaza.

Sources indicate that expressions of solidarity with Palestinians, such as accusations of "genocide" or "apartheid," are viewed by the company as crossing into antisemitism.

While specific names on the list remain undisclosed, the policy is said to affect a growing number of Hollywood talents who have engaged in pro-Palestine advocacy.

A trigger for these reports was a September 2025 open letter signed by thousands of high-profile figures, including actors like Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, Emma Stone, and Joaquin Phoenix.

The letter called for a boycott of ‘Israeli’ film institutions and associated groups

Paramount was the first major studio to publicly denounce the letter, labeling it as divisive and counterproductive.

Under the new leadership, Paramount said it is committed to what it perceives as anti- ‘Israel’ campaigns.

CEO David Ellison, who assumed control following the $8.4 billion Skydance merger in mid-2025, has prioritized revitalizing the studio's output, aiming to produce up to 20 films annually.

Ellison has publicly stated a desire to avoid politicization, focusing instead on creating content that appeals to broad audiences and attracts top talent.

Pro-'Israel' David Ellison

David Ellison's pro-'Israel’ leanings are influenced by his family background.

His father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, is a prominent supporter of ‘Israel’, known for his close ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and substantial donations to organizations like “Friends of the Israel Defense Forces”.

Paramount has not officially confirmed the existence of the list, and requests for comment have gone unanswered in several reports.