California AG Bonta Open to Settling Paramount Dispute

WHO:

NY Post - California Attorney General Rob Bonta is involved in the legal battle against Paramount's merger with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Deadline - Twelve Attorneys General are part of the lawsuit to block Paramount's merger with WBD.

WHAT:

Deadline - Rob Bonta stated, “We, respectfully, didn’t think that the United States DOJ did an adequate review and we thought we needed to step in to make sure we were protecting consumers,” regarding the lawsuit against Paramount's merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

NY Post - Bonta emphasized that if Paramount leaves California, “it lies at their feet,” indicating that the decision would not be his responsibility.

NY Post - Rob Bonta stated he has been winning his legal battle against Paramount's merger.

NY Post - Bonta expressed he is "open" to settlement talks if Paramount approaches "in good faith."

Deadline - Bonta criticized the United States DOJ for not conducting an adequate review of the merger.

WHERE:

Deadline - The legal dispute is taking place in California.

WHY:

Deadline - Bonta believes the lawsuit is necessary to ensure consumer protection.

HOW:

NY Post - Bonta's willingness to engage in settlement talks is contingent upon the sincerity of Paramount's approach.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 03:01 UTC)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced that he believes the U.S. Department of Justice did not conduct an adequate review of Paramount's merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, prompting him to step in to protect consumers. He also made it clear that if Paramount decides to leave California, the responsibility for that choice would rest solely with the company. Bonta's comments come as the deadline for the lawsuit approaches.

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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 22:01 UTC)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a legal battle alongside twelve other Attorneys General to block Paramount's merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Bonta has expressed that he is winning this fight and is open to settlement talks if Paramount approaches him in good faith, while also criticizing the U.S. Department of Justice for not adequately reviewing the merger. He believes this lawsuit is essential for consumer protection, and his willingness to negotiate hinges on the sincerity of Paramount's intentions.