Jane Fonda Protests Paramount and CNN Merger at Oscar Afterparty
Actress Jane Fonda voiced her opposition to the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN, during an Oscars afterparty on Sunday night. She wore an “anti-merger” pin at various Hollywood events to support Paramount’s bid for the company, expressing concerns that the merger could allow the Trump administration to exert influence over CNN.
“The merger will be detrimental for workers,” Fonda stated. “There will be job losses, prices will increase, and we’ll face political control over our actions. That’s why it matters.” In a somewhat cryptic remark, she added that it can’t happen fast enough for CNN to be under Paramount’s management, while mentioning her former relationship with the founder of CNN, Ted Turner, which added a personal dimension to her opposition.
She emphasized her belief that while all mergers might pose challenges, the one with Paramount sparks particular concern due to possible compliance with Trump’s wishes to secure approval. “We’re going to win,” she assured.
Despite her strong views, Fonda acknowledged that she hasn’t discussed her opinions with either Paramount CEO David Ellison or Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Instead, she remarked that she had spoken with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos when Netflix offered to buy WBD last year, primarily because they are friends.
Fonda has previously voiced her concerns about any merger, specifically highlighting that a merger with Paramount could be problematic given Trump’s political influence. She referenced her prior marriage to Turner, indicating her concerns stem from her understanding of how CNN was originally created to be independent.
The atmosphere at CNN is described as “frightening,” with employees feeling unsettled about potential changes due to the merger. In December, Fonda wrote an op-ed expressing that the sale of WBD to any company could endanger free speech within the entertainment industry.
She articulately expressed that the looming merger represents an alarming shift in the entertainment sector that could ultimately threaten public interests and the First Amendment. Some at CNN fear that the Trump administration’s anticipated influence could serve as a method of political pressure and censorship.
In a response to Fonda’s statements, White House Press Secretary Khush Desai remarked, “It’s been decades since no one cared what Hanoi Jane said.” He noted that her comments about having had a relationship with the creator of CNN don’t reflect a shift in public perception.
