George Clooney boldly defends Mark Ruffalo at Venice's Golden Lion press meet, challenges Hollywood censorship

George Clooney defended Mark Ruffalo's right to free speech amid the controversy surrounding the proposed Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger while speaking at the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement press conference during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2026. Clooney called attempts to silence Ruffalo "ridiculous", emphasizing that defending free expression, even in disagreement, is fundamental to a functioning democracy.