Paramount settles with states to clear Warner Bros merger path

Twelve Democratic state attorneys general settled their suit with Paramount, clearing the path for its Warner Bros. merger. The agreement was reportedly sealed after sundown Sunday during Yom Kippur. California Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke Monday morning, after negotiations that intensified last week and continued through the weekend. He said talks often reach "90% maybe 95%, maybe even 99%," with the last part the hardest. The case had been escalating toward a possible Supreme Court decision. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said finalization is expected within two weeks. CONTESTED: Mark Ruffalo publicly criticized Governor Gavin Newsom over the settlement, saying it benefited "Trump and his billionaire cronies." Newsom had expressed concerns officially in August and advocated for negotiations. Bonta credited Newsom's role at the start of his statement but declined to detail his involvement in the final stretch. The Directors Guild of America said the AG agreement contains binding commitments that protect theatrical film and television markets and domestic film jobs and brings clarity during decreased production. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Aston and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said members rely on the law as the lowest standards employers must meet and will approach Paramount with professionalism. Ellison put formal finalization within two weeks.