Fil-Am official leads lawsuit to block Paramount-Warner merger

Photo from Attorney General Rob Bonta/Facebook

LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a coalition of 12 states in a lawsuit seeking to block Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the multibillion-dollar merger would unlawfully reduce competition in the entertainment industry and threaten jobs.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, asks the court to prevent the companies from completing the transaction, which the states value at about $81 billion. Including debt, the deal is valued at nearly $111 billion.

‘Unlawful merger’

Bonta’s office said the coalition is asking Paramount and Warner not to close the merger until the legal challenge is resolved. If the companies refuse, the states plan to seek a temporary restraining order.

FILE – The Paramount Pictures water tower is seen in Los Angeles, Dec. 18, 2025, with the Hollywood sign in the distance. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

“The unlawful merger of these two entertainment behemoths would lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television, harming movie theaters, basic cable distributors, and ultimately, audiences on every sofa and movie theater seat in the U.S.,” the Filipino American attorney general said in a statement.

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FILE – California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention, Feb. 21, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

12 states challenge merger

Joining California in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington.

If completed, the merger would combine Warner’s assets—including HBO Max, CNN and the “Harry Potter” franchise—with Paramount’s portfolio, which includes CBS, Paramount+ and the “Top Gun” franchise.

Paramount rejects lawsuit

Skydance-owned Paramount rejected the lawsuit, calling it a misapplication of antitrust law. The company said the merger would create a stronger competitor to dominant streaming and technology companies and pledged to “vigorously defend” the transaction. Warner Bros. Discovery referred questions to Paramount.

The legal challenge comes after Paramount shareholders approved the deal in April and after the Trump administration declined to oppose the merger. The  Justice Department has argued the combination would increase competition in the media and entertainment industry.

Critics, however, contend the merger would further consolidate Hollywood, potentially leading to job losses and fewer opportunities for filmmakers and content creators. Thousands of actors, writers, directors and other entertainment professionals have publicly opposed the deal.

Paramount and Warner have said they hope to complete the merger during the third quarter of 2026, though the states’ lawsuit could delay or derail those plans.

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