Paramount Condemns Artist Pledge to Boycott israeli Cinemas
LOS ANGELES - September 13, 2025 – paramount Pictures has publicly criticized a recent open letter signed by hundreds of artists vowing to boycott Israeli cinemas untill a ceasefire is enacted in Gaza. The pledge, modeled after similar campaigns against apartheid South Africa, has ignited controversy within the entertainment industry and drawn sharp rebuke from the studio.
The artist-led initiative, launched in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, aims to pressure Israel to halt its offensive. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and the internal displacement of Gaza’s entire population, triggering a severe famine crisis. Some human rights experts and researchers allege the situation has escalated to the level of genocide. Paramount’s statement underscores the complex geopolitical considerations facing global entertainment companies and the potential ramifications of taking sides in international disputes.
Signatories to the statement include prominent actors Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Marc Ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Rizz Ahmed, and Javier Bardem, alongside Sinatia Nixon and numerous others. The letter directly criticizes Israel’s actions, characterizing them as an attack on Gaza supported by the United States.
Paramount, in its official response, emphasized its commitment to showcasing films to audiences worldwide, nonetheless of political viewpoints. The studio argued that a blanket boycott unfairly restricts access to culture for Israeli citizens and hinders dialogue. The company maintains that its focus remains on bringing stories to the broadest possible audience, and it does not support actions that limit artistic expression or promote division.
Israel defends its military actions as self-defense in response to the Hamas attack. The ongoing conflict continues to fuel international debate and calls for a lasting resolution.