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Elizabeth Warren and Mark Ruffalo press AG Rob Bonta not to settle Paramount lawsuit

Variety reports that prominent critics are urging state officials to block Paramount Skydance's $111 billion merger with Warner Bros.

Updated Sep 21, 2026 · 18:37 UTC19 reports

The short version

  • Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and actor Mark Ruffalo urged California AG Rob Bonta not to settle a multistate antitrust suit blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal.[Variety · Variety]
  • The pushback follows reports that Paramount Skydance is in advanced settlement talks with state officials.[Variety · Variety]
  • Warren cited recent White House media bans as a sign of consolidation risks, while Ruffalo highlighted thousands of opposing industry signatures.[Variety · Variety]

Key facts

  • Paramount Skydance's $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. was approved by the DOJ in June but put on hold by a multistate lawsuit.[Variety · Variety]
  • California AG Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general filed the antitrust lawsuit challenging the acquisition.[Variety]
  • Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly called settling the antitrust lawsuit a massive mistake.[Variety]
  • Actor Mark Ruffalo posted on social media urging Bonta not to concede, citing thousands of filmmaker signatures.[Variety]

What remains uncertain

  • It is not confirmed whether state officials and Paramount Skydance will reach a settlement agreement.[Variety · Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.