Paramount CEO threatens studio exit over antitrust suit; California AG calls it 'blackmail'

Paramount CEO David Ellison has threatened to relocate the studio to Tennessee, Texas or Georgia if the state antitrust suit blocking its $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition is not settled. California AG Rob Bonta called the threat "blackmail." Governor Gavin Newsom, describing settlement talks happening "in real time," is urging restraint. Trial is set for 2 March in Oakland.