In a pointed social media post, Mark Ruffalo directly addressed Attorney General Rob Bonta, cautioning him against conceding in the high-stakes legal battle. "Don’t you dare, [Rob Bonta], do not cave," Ruffalo wrote, highlighting the broad opposition to the deal. He emphasized that thousands of filmmakers and over 75,000 members of the public have voiced their concerns, signing petitions to block the consolidation. Ruffalo underscored Bonta's duty, stating, "You work for the people — the very people who will be hurt if you let this lousy deal filled with empty promises go forward."
This isn't Ruffalo's first foray into the debate surrounding the potential acquisition of Paramount Global by David Ellison's Skydance Media. The actor has been one of Hollywood's most vocal critics of the merger, which aims to bring two significant entertainment entities under one umbrella. His outspoken stance previously led to a public exchange where a Paramount representative reportedly labeled him "antisemitic" in response to his criticisms.
The proposed merger, which would see Skydance Media acquire Paramount Global, received approval from the Department of Justice in June. However, its path forward was subsequently halted by an antitrust lawsuit filed by Bonta and a coalition of 11 other state attorneys general. The lawsuit raises concerns about potential impacts on competition within the entertainment industry, including film production, television distribution, and streaming services.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, indicate that Paramount Global, Skydance Media, and Bonta's office are currently engaged in "advanced talks" to reach a settlement. This development has intensified calls from opponents for Bonta to hold his ground.
Adding to the pressure, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren also weighed in, expressing strong reservations about the merger. In a social media post, Warren warned against the dangers of further media consolidation, drawing parallels to historical instances of media control. "The last thing we need is another Trump-controlled media conglomerate abusing its power to stomp out competition," Warren wrote, calling the proposed deal "a dangerous merger." Her comments underscore the broader political and economic concerns surrounding such large-scale industry mergers.
The core of the opposition, championed by figures like Ruffalo and Warren, centers on the potential for reduced competition, fewer independent voices, and diminished consumer choice in an already consolidating media landscape. As settlement talks progress, all eyes remain on Attorney General Bonta to see if he will heed the calls from prominent voices within and outside Hollywood to continue the fight against the merger.