Mark Ruffalo criticizes Gavin Newsom over Paramount merger settlement

Actor and activist Mark Ruffalo has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom following a settlement that clears the way for the $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The settlement resolves an antitrust lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of 11 other state attorneys general.

Newsom reportedly encouraged the settlement to avoid a protracted legal battle that could threaten employment within California’s entertainment sector. In a statement, Newsom noted that the agreement provides a “practical path forward” and includes concessions from Paramount to protect local jobs.

Ruffalo, who had previously pressured Attorney General Bonta to resist the deal, expressed his disapproval on social media. Responding to comments from former FTC commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, Ruffalo claimed that Newsom’s actions provide a “huge win to Trump and his billionaire cronies.”