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Paramount 'Hacked' on Social Media, Labeled 'Fascists' Over Warner Bros Buyout Offer
**In a shocking turn of events, the official X account of Paramount Pictures was hacked on Tuesday, displaying a scathing message that has left many in the entertainment industry reeling. The studio's social media profile briefly featured the bio "proud arm of the fascist regime," sparking widespread outrage and calls for a boycott.
The hack, which has since been rectified, comes just one day after Paramount CEO David Ellison launched a hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), rivaling Netflix's $72 billion buyout offer. The all-cash offer values WBD at $30 per share, while Netflix offered $27.75 per share in a mix of cash and stock.
As the bidding war continues to escalate, concerns are growing that Ellison's efforts to acquire WBD may be motivated by more than just business interests. Insiders close to the deal claim that Ellison has been using his close relationship with President Donald Trump as leverage, seeking to impress the former president in hopes of clearing regulatory reviews.
Trump himself weighed in on the matter Sunday at the Kennedy Center Honors, stating that a massive deal like Netflix and WBD's could raise problems for the market. "There's no question about it," he said. "It could be a problem." However, Trump made these comments before Paramount launched its hostile bid on Monday.
Ellison, who took over as CEO of Paramount in August, has been consistently praised by Trump since taking the helm. In fact, Ellison and his father, billionaire Larry Ellison, have maintained close ties with the president for years. Moreover, Trump's son-in-law is an investor on Ellison's team, further fueling speculation that the deal may be influenced by personal relationships rather than purely business interests.
The hack of Paramount's X account has sparked a heated debate about the motivations behind the bidding war and the role of politics in the entertainment industry. As the drama continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the fate of WBD hangs precariously in the balance, caught between two powerful players vying for control.
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What's Behind the Bidding War?
**The acquisition battle for WBD has become increasingly bitter as executives appear to be jumping through hoops to please Trump and his administration. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos made a secret trip to the White House earlier this year, reportedly to discuss the deal with Trump himself.
Larry Ellison, meanwhile, has been engaged in discussions with the Trump administration about firing CNN hosts who have fallen out of favor with the president. This revelation has sparked outrage among critics, who accuse Paramount and its allies of attempting to curry favor with Trump at all costs.
As the bidding war continues to intensify, one thing is clear: the fate of WBD will be decided not just by business interests, but also by personal relationships and politics. Will Paramount emerge victorious, or will Netflix prevail in its bid for control? Only time will tell.
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