The Block the Merger coalition filed an emergency motion in California federal court on Thursday. It seeks permission to oppose the settlement covering Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Opponents called the agreement “weak and unenforceable”. Their request asks Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín to let them formally contest the settlement with 12 state attorneys general.
Paramount Skydance Corporation’s proposed acquisition is worth about $111 billion, including debt. It would bring the two entertainment businesses under common ownership.
Coalition members argue that combining the companies could weaken competition and reduce employment opportunities across the entertainment industry.
Paramount has rejected competition concerns, arguing that the acquisition would strengthen its ability to compete with streaming companies Netflix and Amazon.
State attorneys general sued in July over the proposed combination’s effects on film and television competition. They announced a settlement on Monday, subject to court approval.
Its terms include film production commitments and protections for workers. Paramount also agreed to negotiate the companies’ basic cable distribution agreements separately for five years.
More than 1,000 Hollywood figures have signed a letter opposing the transaction. Actors Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller and Kristen Stewart are among the signatories.
Read: Paramount Warner Merger Clears Hurdle in $110B Deal
Separately, the Writers Guild of America settled its own lawsuit on Monday. It secured a five-year prohibition on writer layoffs at CBS News Broadcast and a $17.5 million health fund contribution.
Guild leaders maintained their opposition to the merger’s effects but cited the cost of pursuing litigation without government backing.
