Warner Bros. Discovery rejects boycott of Israeli film industry, following Paramount
Despite a potential corporate purchase, Warner Bros. Discovery today followed Paramount’s lead in rejecting a massive boycott of the Israeli film industry over the war in Gaza.
“Warner Bros. Discovery is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for our employees, collaborators and other stakeholders,” a WBD spokesperson told Deadline on Thursday.
“Our policies prohibit any form of discrimination, including discrimination based on race, religion, national origin or ancestry,” added the company led by David Zaslav. “We believe that a boycott of Israeli film institutions violates our policy. »
“While we respect the rights of individuals and groups to express their views and advocate for causes, we will continue to align our business practices with the requirements of our policies and the law.”
WBD’s remarks come just days after the release of the last living Israeli hostages kidnapped two years ago during Hamas’ deadly rampage in Gaza, bordering settlements, kibbutzim and IDF stations. It also follows a multinational signing ceremony in Egypt of the 20-point peace plan negotiated by Donald Trump – a plan that is already under strain.
Curious timing aside, WBD’s statement is a reaction to the letter signed in early September by Emma Stone, Peter Sarsgaard, Lily Gladstone, Elliot Page, Ava DuVernay and Olivia Colman, calling for a boycott of Israeli film institutions that are “involved in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” On September 12, Paramount Skydance, now owned by David Ellison, rebuffed the Film Workers for Palestine’s open letter for attempting to silence “individual creative artists based on their nationality.”
“At Paramount, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire people, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the moments, ideas and events that shape the world we share,” said the Melrose-based company hosting the Oct. 7 miniseries. Red alertadded. “This is our creative mission.”
Of course, as everyone in town knows, another mission of Par’s is to try to take over WBD. After seeing an admittedly low offer declined last week, the Ellisons (David + Oracle’s father, Larry Ellison, aka the second and sometimes richest man on the planet) are determined to take another turn at HBO headquarters with what appears to be a bid centered on the WBD board in the $60 billion range.
Variety was first to report the WBD’s statement.
