Warner Bros. Discovery sues Amazon for poaching HBO Max exec Pia Barlow

Warner Bros. Discovery filed suit against Amazon on July 21, 2026, in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging Amazon induced HBO Max EVP of originals marketing Pia Barlow to breach a contract not set to expire until October 31, 2027. Amazon MGM Studios announced Barlow's hire on July 18. The suit calls Amazon's conduct a "lawless employee shopping spree" and seeks damages plus injunctive relief. Amazon has not publicly responded.