Lawsuit claims Donald Trump told Oracle founder: Larry, it looks like Netflix is gonna get Warner Bros., but if you really, really ...
A lawsuit alleges Donald Trump promised Oracle's Larry Ellison assistance in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery over Netflix.Summary
A new lawsuit claims that former US President Donald Trump personally intervened in the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, assuring Oracle founder Larry Ellison that Paramount Skydance would win against Netflix. The suit, filed by R.J. Cipriani against Paramount’s Skydance, Paramount Global, and the Ellison Family, alleges Trump told Ellison, “Larry, it looks like Netflix is gonna get Warner Bros., but if you really, really want it, Larry, I’ll make sure you get it.” This information was reportedly relayed to Cipriani by Paramount president Jeff Shell. Paramount has dismissed the lawsuit as “completely baseless” and intends to vigorously defend itself.
The lawsuit further details Trump’s alleged involvement, including pushing for the production of “Rush Hour 4” as part of the deal. Trump has publicly expressed support for Ellison and David Ellison, and his administration previously signaled support for Paramount, suggesting Warner Bros. Discovery consider regulatory hurdles alongside price.
The acquisition battle between Paramount Skydance and Netflix for Warner Bros. Discovery has been closely watched. Warner Bros. Discovery’s board recently indicated that Paramount’s $31 per share offer “could reasonably be expected” to lead to a superior proposal compared to Netflix’s existing $27.75 per share offer, marking the first positive feedback from Warner’s board after ten prior attempts by Paramount.
(Source：The Times Of India)