WGA Says David Ellison’s Threat That Paramount Will Leave California Over AG’s Antitrust Lawsuit “Proves The Danger Of Its Outsized Power”

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has publicly criticized Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison’s threat to pull the studio out of California if state Attorney General Rob Bonta refuses to settle an antitrust lawsuit aimed at blocking Paramount’s planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. In a statement to Deadline, the WGA said that Ellison’s threat demonstrates the danger of Paramount’s outsized influence over the industry and its potential impact on writers and the creative community, and that such behavior is a key reason the merger should be blocked. The WGA is also suing to block the $110 billion acquisition on the grounds that it violates federal antitrust law and would harm writers. The guild chose to file its own lawsuit rather than join the AGs’ case to address labor‑specific concerns not covered by the state attorneys general’s action. Bonta’s case is scheduled for trial in March 2027, and he has already labeled Ellison’s threat as an attempt to blackmail the state. Ellison announced to Paramount executives that the studio would begin the process of leaving California on October 1 unless Bonta negotiates a settlement, a date that coincides with the start of a $7 million daily “ticking fee” if the merger has not closed. Paramount has requested a November trial date from the judge.

(Source：Deadline)