California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta is navigating significant pressure from Hollywood as discussions about a settlement that could facilitate Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery heat up.
Actor Mark Ruffalo took to X, emphasizing, “Don’t you dare @AGRobBonta, do not cave,” insisting that he should reject any deal that would greenlight the merger.
Ruffalo noted that countless filmmakers have voiced their disapproval of the merger, with over 75,000 signatures gathered on a petition directed at state attorneys general.
He encouraged supporters in the Bay Area to rally outside Bonta’s office in Oakland, expressing concern that the AG might yield and urging demonstrators to oppose what he termed a “backroom deal.”
This backlash aligns with ongoing negotiations between Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general and Paramount’s CEO David Ellison regarding an antitrust lawsuit aimed at halting the merger.
Speculation suggests these discussions could lead to a settlement, potentially averting a trial set for March 2027.
A coalition known as Block the Merger raised alarms, arguing that any settlement based on promises rather than enforceable measures would ultimately disadvantage opponents of the deal.
They stated, “An agreement based only on unenforceable concessions is a win only for David Ellison. It is an L for everyone else.”
The coalition highlighted that over 75,000 individuals have joined their campaign, receiving backing from various industry figures and national leaders, including Senator Elizabeth Warren. Their primary demand is simple: block the merger completely.
Criticism towards Ruffalo and the coalition has come from some detractors, including former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who accused Ruffalo of disregarding the challenges faced by blue-collar film workers during the ongoing industry turmoil.
As for Paramount, they’re under pressure to finalize the merger quickly. A “ticking fee” of $7 million per day looms if the deal is delayed beyond September 30. There are even hints that the company could consider relocating its operations out of California if the legal struggles persist, with Nashville, Austin, and Georgia emerging as potential alternatives. Such a move could lead to up to 58,000 job losses in Los Angeles, according to some economists.
The California Post has reached out to Bonta’s office and also contacted the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees for further comments.
