Newsom Faces Criticism Over Ag's Paramount Settlement Deal

WHO:

Fox News - California Governor Gavin Newsom, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Paramount CEO David Ellison, Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Variety - Rob Bonta.

WHAT:

Fox News - Paramount settled an antitrust lawsuit related to its $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Fox News - Bonta confirmed the settlement during a press conference, stating it was not a vote of support for the merger.

Fox News - Bonta stated, "I am always willing to come to the table for honest, good-faith negotiations."

Fox News - Critics accused Bonta and Newsom of caving to Paramount amid the settlement.

Variety - Bonta sued to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger in July.

WHERE:

Fox News - The merger involves Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, with implications for California.

WHEN:

Fox News - The merger was initially expected to close during the third quarter of the year.

Fox News - Bonta filed the lawsuit in July.

WHY:

Fox News - Newsom denied pressuring Bonta, stating he preferred negotiations in the boardroom rather than the courtroom.

Fox News - Critics claimed the settlement was influenced by the threat of Paramount moving its headquarters out of California.

Variety - Bonta's lawsuit was a response to perceived political influence from the Trump administration regarding antitrust actions.

HOW:

Fox News - The settlement was reached through negotiations between Bonta and Paramount.

(UPDATED September 24, 2026 00:02 UTC)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that Paramount has settled an antitrust lawsuit concerning its $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, although he emphasized that this settlement does not equate to support for the merger. Bonta, who initially filed the lawsuit in July, faced criticism for allegedly yielding to pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom and the threat of Paramount relocating its headquarters out of California. During a press conference, Bonta stated, "I am always willing to come to the table for honest, good-faith negotiations," highlighting the complexities of the situation.