Paramount Skydance Allegedly Blacklisting Pro-Palestine Talent as Company Shifts Toward “Male” and “MAGA-Aligned” Direction
Paramount Skydance, now led by David Ellison, is reportedly becoming one of Hollywood’s most politically charged studios.
Multiple industry sources say Ellison is reshaping the company’s culture to reflect more conservative, male-driven values, a sharp shift from the traditionally liberal tone of most major entertainment studios.
According to reports, Paramount’s leadership has taken a firm stance on the war in Gaza, distancing itself from pro-Palestine activism in the industry. In September, the studio publicly criticized a letter signed by stars like Emma Stone and Javier Bardem that called for a boycott of Israeli film institutions accused of supporting “genocide and apartheid” against Palestinians.
That made Paramount the first major studio to openly oppose the celebrity-backed statement. Warner Bros. later issued its own response but cited legal, not political, reasons.
Insiders also say that Paramount has a growing list of filmmakers and actors it refuses to work with. The list reportedly includes people the company sees as “overtly antisemitic,” “xenophobic,” or “homophobic.”
While it’s unclear if those who supported the Gaza letter are on the list, sources claim that several outspoken pro-Palestine voices in Hollywood, including some connected to DC projects, have been quietly blacklisted.
Under Ellison, the studio’s image is shifting fast. Employees describe a more “alpha male” atmosphere, with open talk about patriotism, traditional values, and right-leaning politics becoming more common. Some insiders even say office televisions, once tuned to CNN or CNBC, now often play Fox News instead.
CBS News, which is part of the Paramount network family, has reportedly disbanded its race and culture unit that was formed after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Ellison’s growing influence in Hollywood is tied closely to his relationship with President Donald Trump. Reports claim Trump personally approved Paramount’s $7.7 billion merger with Skydance and continues to support the Ellison family’s plans to expand their media empire. Trump was even quoted calling the Ellisons “friends” and saying they “will do the right thing.”
The studio’s political leanings are also visible in its content choices. New projects are said to focus on themes appealing to “middle America,” such as patriotism and American resilience. Insiders describe the upcoming slate as “America-centric,” with stories meant to resonate with audiences outside the liberal coastal markets.
This shift has fueled debate inside Hollywood. While some see Ellison’s approach as a refreshing challenge to what they view as a one-sided industry, others fear the rise of politically motivated filmmaking that sidelines diverse or dissenting voices.
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