Paramount Skydance’s top lawyer, Makan Delrahim, says opposition to the $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery takeover is being driven by “fear mongering” and “antisemitic views,” arguing the deal will create more jobs and opportunities.
A pending Warner Bros. Discovery merger valued at $111 billion is now playing out in a fight that goes beyond corporate strategy.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times. Paramount Skydance’s chief lawyer. Makan Delrahim. accused many of the deal’s opponents of waging a campaign through “fear mongering” across Hollywood and in Washington. D.C. He argued that the transaction will instead create “more and better and exciting jobs. ” and he framed David Ellison’s involvement as a rare shift toward an owner “who comes from the creative side.”.
Delrahim told the newspaper, “Politics is part of life. It’s part of the beautiful process of democracy.” He then turned to what he sees as the real motive behind the backlash. “Generally. we are very empathetic to the folks in Hollywood. but this transaction will actually create more and better and exciting jobs. David [Ellison] is an absolute lover of films; he’s a filmmaker himself. For the first time, you are getting an owner who comes from the creative side.”.
He kept pressing that the opposition isn’t just disagreement—it’s a push shaped by hostility. “Let’s be honest. There’s a lot of fear-mongering, particularly from people in Washington, D.C. They are running a political campaign. Some of these people are trying to inflict harm on this transaction really because of their own antisemitic views. Regulators and law enforcement officials will see right through that.”.
That clash lands as concerns about the merger have spread through Hollywood and reached the U.S. Senate antitrust committee. Cory Booker attempted numerous times to get Ellison to appear at a hearing about the deal, but those invitations were declined.
In the meantime. an open letter circulating alongside Ellison’s $110 billion acquisition attempt—seeking to stop the barrels from moving forward—has gathered signatures from more than 5. 000 filmmakers and actors. The letter says. “We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. ” adding that “The integrity. independence. and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.”.
The debate is also entangled with broader, high-profile political and cultural pressures. Back in September. Film Workers for Palestine published an open letter pledging to avoid working with Israeli film institutions that the group deems are “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” That letter drew over 4. 000 film industry professionals’ signatures. including Emma Stone. Ayo Edebiri. Mark Ruffalo. Tilda Swinton and Andrew Garfield.
Paramount condemned that effort days later. issuing a response that said. “We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers.” The statement continued. “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace. The global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world. We need more engagement and communication — not less.”.
The sequence is stark: as the merger faces scrutiny from both Hollywood and the Senate. Delrahim points to fear and alleged antisemitism as the engine behind resistance. while a growing chorus of filmmakers continues to argue that the deal threatens competition. diversity. and independence across the industry.
Paramount Skydance Makan Delrahim Warner Bros. Discovery merger David Ellison Senate antitrust committee Cory Booker fear mongering antisemitism open letter filmmakers actors Film Workers for Palestine Emma Stone Ayo Edebiri Mark Ruffalo Tilda Swinton Andrew Garfield
Fear mongering? lol sounds like lawyers always say that when they’re losing. Who cares about Hollywood jobs anyway.
So let me get this straight… they’re saying the opposition is antisemitic? I didn’t even know this was about anything besides money. $111 billion is insane though, that part I believe.
People keep saying “fear mongering” like that’s some magic word. Also isn’t this the same guy who always talks big about democracy? Feels like they’re deflecting. Booker trying to get Ellison to testify sounds normal to me.
Not sure I buy the whole “creative owner” thing. Like David Ellison gonna personally protect everyone’s job? I thought the issue was antitrust/monopoly, not whatever antisemitic accusation. Half the time regulators are just theatre and then they approve it anyway.