California AG Calls Off Paramount-Warner Bros. Meeting, Accusing Company of “Playing Games” - The Hollywood Reporter

California Attorney General Rob Bonta canceled a Monday meeting with David Ellison's Paramount that was intended to begin settlement talks over the state's lawsuit seeking to block Paramount's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Bonta accused Paramount of leaking and misrepresenting the substance of settlement discussions, saying the company demonstrated "a lack of good faith" and needs to "stop playing games" before talks can resume.
Paramount denied being the source of the leaks, stating it shares Bonta's concerns about public discussions and misreporting, and said it remains ready to continue good faith negotiations to resolve the suit.
A group of a dozen attorneys general, led by Bonta, has opposed the merger through an antitrust lawsuit filed last month; the deal could force divestitures of Warner Bros. assets and trigger more than $1 billion in "ticking-clock" fees ahead of a March trial.
Ellison has pushed back with a media campaign, a threat to leave California, and a motion aimed at forcing Bonta's hand by making taxpayers cover the ticking-clock fees.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed support for settlement talks on Friday, echoing Bonta's earlier preference that the matter be resolved "in the boardroom, not the courtroom," while noting the outcome still has to be worked through.