# ‘Minions’ producer becomes latest Hollywood exec to flee LA over Billionaire Tax threat

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/minions-producer-becomes-latest-hollywood-exec-to-flee-la-over-billionaire-tax-threat/
- Published: 2026-11-04T14:45:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T09:38:44+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://pagesix.com/2026/11/04/hollywood/minions-producer-becomes-latest-hollywood-exec-to-flee-la-over-billionaire-tax-threat/
- Topics: Business, Companies, Entertainment, Film, World

## Key points

- Illumination chief Chris Meledandri has moved to New York.
- California’s proposed 5% billionaire tax was trailing in early results.
- His lawyer cited family and work ties, and disputed claims about his wealth.

## Summary

Illumination chief executive Chris Meledandri has moved from California to New York, becoming the latest Hollywood figure to leave amid debate over a proposed tax on billionaires. The reported move has drawn attention because Proposition 40 could impose a one-off tax on the wealthiest residents, and some industry figures say the measure has fuelled concern about future taxes even if it fails.

The article reported that Prop 40 was trailing, with 55.6% against and 44.4% in favour after 60% of votes had been counted. Meledandri’s lawyer said he had been seeking a New York home and would continue spending significant time in Los Angeles, citing his work across Illumination’s Paris studio and LA headquarters; the lawyer also disputed claims about his wealth. The proposal would levy 5% on residents worth more than $1 billion, while Google co-founder Sergey Brin was reported to have moved to Nevada and become the measure’s largest opponent donor.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.