Warner Bros Discovery Rejects Boycott of Israeli Film Institutions

Warner Bros. Discovery has taken a firm stand against a growing boycott movement targeting Israeli film institutions, asserting that such efforts violate its core anti-discrimination policies. The entertainment giant joins Paramount Pictures in distancing itself from a campaign that has stirred controversy throughout the global film community.

The campaign, spearheaded by a group called Film Workers for Palestine, urges entertainment professionals to refuse cooperation with Israeli cultural institutions, alleging they are complicit in “genocide and apartheid.” Despite claims that the boycott targets institutions rather than individuals, legal experts on both sides of the Atlantic warn that the pledge risks breaching anti-discrimination laws.

In response, Warner Bros. Discovery released a statement reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and respect:
“Our policies prohibit discrimination of any kind, including discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, or ancestry. We believe a boycott of Israeli film institutions violates our policies.” The company emphasized its continued alignment with both its internal code and applicable civil rights laws.

The movement has been signed by over 5,000 individuals, including high-profile actors such as Emma Stone, Tilda Swinton, Joaquin Phoenix, and Mark Ruffalo. Yet many within the entertainment world have expressed concern over what they see as an attempt to silence voices based on nationality or religious identity.

Paramount was the first major studio to reject the initiative. In a powerful statement, the studio said, “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace.” Prominent industry names such as Liev Schreiber, Mayim Bialik, and Debra Messing have also signed an open letter opposing the boycott, defending the right of Israeli artists to contribute to global storytelling without fear of exclusion.

Legal warnings have added weight to the studios’ decisions. Lawyers for Israel in the U.K. cautioned that the pledge could violate the Equality Act of 2010, while the Brandeis Center in Washington, D.C., pointed to similar risks under U.S. civil rights statutes.

For Israel’s creative community, the support from two of the world’s largest film studios sends a strong message: targeting Israeli institutions based on nationality runs counter to the values of artistic freedom, fairness, and open dialogue. It underscores the growing recognition that the world of culture should foster bridges, not barriers.

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