Reaction to settlement between Paramount and 12 state attorneys general

(KYMA, CBS) - Hollywood and some political figures are sharing their reaction to Paramount Skydance reaching a settlement with the 12 state attorneys general regarding the lawsuit over their acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the lawsuit, held a press conference Monday morning, confirming the settlement.

"This is a court enforceable settlement that addresses those concerns by providing more film production that protects Hollywood workers and their livelihoods that places guardrails, allowing for robust cable negotiations that protects competition and creates more choice for consumers about what this merger could mean for the industry," Attorney General Bonta said during the press conference.

As part of the settlement, Bonta said it included an annual film release commitment, domestic production, independent film fund, protection for workers, cable agreements and ongoing monitoring.

In addition, Paramount must establish a News Editorial Independence Board for CNN, which is owned by WBD, and CBS News, which Paramount owns.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who was also part of the lawsuit, issued a statement on the settlement.

"This settlement will support Arizona businesses, including local movie theaters, by ensuring films get theatrical releases that bring audiences through their doors and boost the neighboring shops and restaurants around them," said Attorney General Mayes. "I'm proud to have fought for Arizona's businesses."

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, also responded to the settlement, saying he's excited to bring together the two iconic companies, and expects to close the deal in two weeks.

As a result of the settlement, the Writers Guild of America has also agreed to drop its lawsuit blocking the merger.

Following the settlement's announcement, SAG-AFTRA released a statement saying in part, "We thank California Attorney General Rob Bonta, New York Attorney General Letitia James and the other attorneys general for helping to ensure our members' interests were part of the conversation. Their advocacy is deeply appreciated."

The Directors Guild of America also released a statement on the settlement saying in part, "We congratulate the parties on reaching an agreement that addresses a number of critical concerns related to the Paramount/WBD merger...We intend to continue our discussions with Paramount regarding domestic television production, with a focus on ensuring a competitive and robust marketplace that protects jobs."

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) posted a statement to social media saying in part, "The settlement announced today establishes a path forward for the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. We appreciate the time the state attorneys general spent meeting with PGA and our members to better understand the impact of consolidation on producers and the broader entertainment ecosystem."

Meanwhile, the Block the Merger Coalition, who held a protest earlier this month, released a statement on the settlement, saying in part, "This is a bad deal for the future of film, entertainment, independent journalism, and a strong democracy in this country. We are disappointed and angry that the interests of average Americans have been trampled to benefit oligarch billionaires."

They also held another protest outside Paramount Studios Tuesday following the settlement.

"I want to live in a world where we have enough diversity of thought and diversity of press and diversity of entertainment. And so, it's that important," said "Criminal Minds" actor Kirsten Vangsness who participated in the protest. "This is way too much money in the hands of very few people and way too many voices of just one group."

Former FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya posted to social media saying in part, "Today, billionaires have yet again bribed, censored, and bullied their way to the top. As a result, a billionaire media conglomerate closely allied with the president will soon own one of its closest rivals, including some of the nation’s most critical news outlets."

"Avengers" and "13 Going on 30" actor Mark Ruffalo also responded to the merger saying, "Gavin Newsom hands huge win to Trump and his billionaire cronies."

A federal judge still has to approve the deal.