Twelve Democratic state attorneys general, led by California's Rob Bonta, have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the $111bn (£86bn) merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery, arguing it breaches federal antitrust law and would reduce competition in film and cable television. The case, filed on Monday, moves to a crucial hearing on Friday, where a judge will decide whether to temporarily halt the deal or let it proceed towards completion, despite the merger already having been approved by the US Department of Justice in June.

Bonta says the complaint is built on clear, data-backed arguments that the merger is "presumptively unlawful" under the Clayton Act, and expressed disappointment that no Republican attorneys general joined the effort, suggesting possible political pressure. Officials from Washington state and New Jersey say their main concern is that reduced competition among studios and streaming platforms could push up prices and narrow content choices for consumers. New Jersey's case is seen as especially significant given recent major studio investment in the state, including a $1bn Netflix production facility and a Paramount-anchored complex, which officials fear could be undermined by weaker industry competition.