Paramount Skydance’s $111 B Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Sparks Antitrust and Political Controversy

Paramount Global, led by filmmaker David Ellison, has proposed a $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The deal would combine Paramount’s film, television and streaming assets with WBD’s HBO Max, CNN and related businesses. Regulatory approval is pending.

Variety Magazine

After the HSR waiting period, the merger awaits antitrust review. Acting DOJ antitrust chief Omeed Assefi warned it would not receive fast-track approval, citing the Ellison family’s ties to former President Donald Trump. House Democrats urged AG Rob Bonta to scrutinize the deal. In September 2025 Film Workers for Palestine issued a boycott pledge; Delrahim joined Paramount in October 2025; on June 1 2026 he said some opponents act out of antisemitic motives.

Variety Magazine

The $111 billion deal faces opposition from over 5,500 industry professionals who signed an open letter. More than 4,000 signed the Film Workers for Palestine pledge. Ellison pledged at least 30 films per year.

The Wrap

Paramount condemned the Film Workers for Palestine pledge as silencing artists by nationality. Delrahim wrote to AG Bonta affirming support for California theaters and rejecting market misinformation. House Democrats called for a review, warning of market concentration. The DOJ indicated it would not fast-track the merger.

Variety Magazine

An open letter signed by over 5,000 industry professionals warns the merger would jeopardize Hollywood’s independence and favor a small group of powerful stakeholders. Senator Cory Booker has repeatedly sought a hearing with Ellison, and the Senate antitrust committee has raised many concerns.

The Wrap

• “Politics is part of life. It’s part of the beautiful process of democracy,” — Makan Delrahim, Paramount Skydance counsel

Variety Magazine

• “Some of these people are trying to inflict harm on this transaction really because of their own antisemitic views.” — Makan Delrahim

Variety Magazine

• “We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good,” — Signatories of the open letter opposing the deal

The Wrap

• “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace.” — Paramount statement

The Wrap

Delrahim’s claim of antisemitic motives lacks specific evidence or identified individuals. The Justice Department’s final decision on the merger remains pending, leaving the antitrust outcome uncertain.

Variety Magazine

Paramount says it is preparing for antitrust challenges. House Democrats have urged AG Bonta to scrutinize the deal, and the Senate antitrust committee has raised many concerns. Regulatory and congressional scrutiny is expected to continue.

Variety Magazine