**PARAMOUNT PICTURES' X ACCOUNT HACKED WITH 'FASCIST REGIME' MESSAGE**

Paramount Pictures' official X account was compromised on Tuesday, briefly rebranded as a "proud arm of a fascist regime" message after it attempted to take over Warner Bros Discovery. For several minutes, the pointed message was displayed prominently on the account's bio, leaving social media users stunned and sparking widespread outrage.

The hack occurred just one day after owner David Ellison launched a hostile bid for WBD at $30 per share, outbidding Netflix's offer of $27.75 in cash and stock. The move sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with labour unions and streaming rivals warning that consolidation on this scale could deepen the entertainment sector's ties to politics.

Ellison's proximity to President Donald Trump has fueled concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The two have long been friends, and Trump has publicly praised Ellison as a capable leader. In October, he said, "He'll do a great job" atop the combined company, referring to the Skydance-Paramount merger that closed on August 7.

However, not everyone is pleased with the Ellisons' influence. In a bizarre incident on Monday, Trump erupted over a CBS 60 Minutes profile of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), lambasting the network's new leadership and calling them "no better than the old ownership." The outburst came just as Paramount was gearing up to compete with Netflix for control of WBD.

When asked about Paramount's rival bid at a White House briefing, Trump played it cool. "I don't know enough about it," he said, citing market implications for Netflix and Paramount Skydance. "I mean, none of them are particularly great friends of mine. You know, I want to do what's right."

But rival executives appear to be courting the White House just as aggressively. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos made a secret trip earlier this year, while billionaire Larry Ellison has reportedly discussed CNN talent decisions with Trump officials.

The hack of Paramount's X account was brief but intense, leaving many to wonder about the motivations behind it. While some speculated that it may have been an inside job or a prank gone wrong, others saw it as a clever (and crass) commentary on the current state of Hollywood politics.

One thing is certain: the bid for WBD has sparked intense scrutiny and debate in the entertainment industry. As the battle for control heats up, one question remains: what will be the cost to creativity and artistic freedom?