Block the Merger coalition holds protest outside Paramount Studios

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KYMA, NBC) - The Block the Merger coalition is holding a protest outside Paramount Studios Thursday.

According to NBC News, this is to thank the 12 state attorneys general for "holding firm in their lawsuit" to block the proposed merger between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount Skydance.

In addition, NBC News said the coalition's spokespeople are calling on them to "continue resisting what they have called Paramount 'blackmail,' and said, "The case must proceed without concessions."

Back in July, 12 state attorneys general, including Arizona and California, and the Writers Guild of America sued to block the merger between Paramount and WBD.

As a result of the lawsuits, Paramount announced they were delaying the merger, with Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin setting a trial date for March of next year.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and other countries approved the merger.

Last month, Paramount requested a $1.88 billion bond from the 12 states to cover their losses over the merger's delay, with Judge Martinez-Olguin setting a hearing on the request for September 24.

In addition, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass called on California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount "to come to the table" and reach a settlement.

Attorney General Bonta canceled a meeting with Paramount, scheduled for Monday, accusing them of leaking information from an earlier meeting.

A Paramount spokesperson responded saying the company was not the source of the leaks, and said they hope the talks can get back on track.

Also last month, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and Montana Attorney Austin Knudsen asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the antitrust lawsuit, claiming it's a "politicized enforcement action."

To watch the livestream of the protest, see attached video.