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A plane towing a provocative banner flew over the Paramount Pictures lot in Hollywood on Thursday as part of ongoing protests surrounding the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The banner’s message targeted Paramount CEO David Ellison, though the identity of those responsible for arranging the aerial display remains unclear. The stunt occurred simultaneously with a press conference being held outside the studio gates by a group called Neighbors for Strong Communities.
The aerial protest coincided with demonstrations from the Block the Merger coalition, which has consistently opposed the $111 billion deal. Coalition representatives gathered to express support for state attorneys general pursuing an antitrust lawsuit against the merger, calling the situation a case of corporate “blackmail.” Speakers included actress Elyssa Phillips, Free Press co-CEO Jessica J. González, and Burbank City Council members. The Block the Merger campaign denied involvement in the plane banner incident.
The merger has faced significant regulatory scrutiny, with a 12-state antitrust lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta scheduled for trial in March 2027. CEO Ellison has warned that if the deal is not finalized by October 1, Paramount will face $7 million daily fees owed to Warner Bros. investors. Concerns about the acquisition have centered on potential editorial influence over CNN, which would come under Paramount ownership. Ellison has repeatedly pledged that CNN will maintain editorial independence if the merger proceeds.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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