Paramount's California plans remain uncertain amid merger lawsuit
California officials said Paramount has repeatedly threatened to leave the state, but the studio has not confirmed any relocation as it faces antitrust litigation over its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
California officials said on Wednesday that reports of Paramount Pictures preparing to leave the state have not been confirmed by the company. Sources told a media outlet that Paramount intended to announce a departure on Tuesday, but no such statement was made, and the studio declined to comment when contacted.
The attorney general’s office acknowledged that Paramount has previously threatened to relocate despite its stated commitment to California and Hollywood, adding that any decision rests with the company. The office said it will continue to enforce state law while remaining open to good-faith negotiations.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said the mayor remains focused on retaining entertainment jobs in the city and will continue to work to keep Los Angeles a hub for the industry.
The uncertainty coincides with Paramount CEO David Ellison’s legal battle with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general over the proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The states sued in July to block the merger, arguing it would lessen competition and give the combined entity excessive market power in film distribution and basic cable programming.