California Attorney General Cancels Paramount Settlement Talks Over $111 Billion Warner Bros. Discovery Deal, Says He’ll Meet When They ‘Stop Playing Games’

California's attorney general canceled a meeting with Paramount over its $110B takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, accusing the company of leaking and misrepresenting settlement discussions. The merger faces a lawsuit from 12 Democratic state attorneys general, citing antitrust concerns. A trial is set for March, with Paramount facing daily penalties if the deal isn't closed by September 30.

Actor Mark Ruffalo accused Paramount of dishonesty after the company criticized his sharing of a video about Oracle's tech contracts with Israel. Paramount, led by David Ellison, is pursuing an $110B acquisition of assets including Warner Bros. Ruffalo denied antisemitism, stating his criticism targeted corporate actions, not Jewish people. The dispute highlights tensions around the merger and its potential impacts.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta may require Paramount to sell some cable channels and keep its movie studio separate from Warner Bros as conditions for approving their merger, according to the Wall Street Journal. The report cites sources familiar with the matter.

Paramount seeks $1.88B bond from 12 states and WGA to cover costs of Warner Bros. Discovery merger delay. The company claims the delay causes daily fees and prevents planned investments. The merger faces antitrust lawsuits, with a trial set for March 2, 2027. Paramount maintains confidence in the deal.

Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) are in settlement talks regarding their merger, facing antitrust lawsuits from 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America. The plaintiffs seek structural changes, such as asset sales or spin-offs, to address concerns about competition and Hollywood's impact. A trial is scheduled for March, with potential rising costs for Paramount if the deal is delayed.

Paramount Global (PARA) is set to meet with California officials to discuss a potential settlement in the state's lawsuit aiming to block its $110B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed concerns about the merger's impact on competition and jobs, while other officials urged a swift resolution. The trial is scheduled for March 2027.