California Attorney General Files Antitrust Suit to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued to halt Paramount Global’s $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing competition concerns despite approvals from U.S., EU and UK regulators.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking to block Paramount Global’s proposed $81 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. The suit alleges that the merger would reduce competition in the media and entertainment market, giving the combined company excessive pricing power.
Bonta said the state has a “special interest in protecting competition” and indicated that he is coordinating with other state attorneys general on the matter. The lawsuit comes after the deal received clearance from antitrust authorities in the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Actor Mark Ruffalo, who has publicly opposed the merger, posted on social media that Hollywood stakeholders believe past consolidations have harmed competition. Ruffalo’s comments were followed by Bonta’s statement acknowledging the concerns and noting ongoing discussions with his AG peers.
Legal experts have noted that antitrust challenges to large media mergers are uncommon once multiple jurisdictions have approved the transaction, and they have described the California case as a “thin” claim. The lawsuit seeks structural changes to the deal, though specific remedies have not been detailed.
The filing adds to a broader debate over the consolidation of media companies and its impact on consumers, content creators and advertisers. No response has been received from Paramount Global or Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the lawsuit.