Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Mark Ruffalo

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Mark Ruffalo.

Mark Ruffalo is an American actor and filmmaker who rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with roles in 'This Is Our Youth' and 'You Can Count on Me.' He achieved mainstream success in romantic comedies and thrillers before gaining international recognition for his portrayal of Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with 'The Avengers' (2012). He also received a Tony Award nomination for his role in the Broadway revival of 'Awake and Sing!' in 2006.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

December 2010: Ruffalo claims placement on terror advisory list

In December 2010, Mark Ruffalo claimed in GQ magazine that he was placed on a terror advisory list after organizing screenings of the documentary "Gasland", though the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Homeland Security denied the claim.

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2014: Ruffalo withdraws support for Marina Silva

During the 2014 Brazilian presidential election, Mark Ruffalo initially supported Marina Silva's candidacy but publicly withdrew his endorsement due to changes in her party's stance on LGBT rights and her opposition to gay marriage and women's reproductive rights.

June 2017: Ruffalo posts petition against NBC hiring practices

In June 2017, Mark Ruffalo posted a petition on Twitter urging NBC to stop hiring white conservative commentators.

October 2019: Ruffalo criticized Ellen DeGeneres's friendship with George W. Bush

In October 2019, Mark Ruffalo criticized Ellen DeGeneres's friendship with former US president George W. Bush, citing the Iraq War and its consequences.

October 2020: Ruffalo condemned Israel's warfare against Palestinians

In October 2020, Mark Ruffalo condemned what he called Israel's "asymmetrical warfare" against the Palestinians and related that he had been called an antisemite for his views.

November 2021: Ruffalo criticized Rittenhouse ruling

In November 2021, Mark Ruffalo criticized the not-guilty ruling in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, stating that the people Rittenhouse shot were victims of murder.

2021: Ruffalo's criticism and apology regarding Israel

During the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, Mark Ruffalo posted tweets critical of Israel and later apologized for suggesting Israel was committing genocide.

November 2023: Ruffalo criticized Netanyahu for "collateral damage" comment

In November 2023, Mark Ruffalo criticized Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for describing civilian deaths during the Israeli attacks on Gaza as "collateral damage".

November 2023: Melissa Barrera fired from Scream franchise due to comments on the Gaza war

The letter followed the November 2023 firing of Melissa Barrera from the Scream franchise, due to her comments on the Gaza war in which she equated Gaza to a "concentration camp" and accused Israel of "distorting the Holocaust to boost the Israeli arms industry".

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September 2025: Ruffalo criticized Democratic leadership

In September 2025, during a Zeteo interview with Mehdi Hasan, Mark Ruffalo criticized Democratic party leadership, specifically Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.