Paramount-WBD Merger Antitrust Battle Intensifies

Ellison threatens to move Paramount out of California by Oct 1 if state AGs don't settle, with $7M/day ticking fee. Bonta calls it blackmail. Merger delayed to June 2027 with $7B breakup fee. Operational paralysis and talent flight continue. Smaller exhibitors skeptical of 30-film pledge. Anson Funds pressures Lionsgate as AI casualty.