Wed Dec 10 00:30:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Netflix Faces Lawsuit Over $72B Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition as Paramount Launches Hostile Bid

Washington D.C. – December 10, 2025 – Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets is facing a consumer lawsuit aimed at blocking the deal. Filed on Monday, the class-action suit alleges the merger would reduce competition in the U.S. subscription video-on-demand market.

The lawsuit comes amid growing scrutiny of the deal, with some members of Congress voicing concerns and the proposal expected to face significant antitrust review. Adding to the complexity, Paramount Skydance launched a $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery on Monday, presenting a competing offer.

The lawsuit, filed by a Warner Bros-owned HBO Max subscriber, claims the acquisition would eliminate a key competitor, HBO Max, and grant Netflix control over major franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics, and Game of Thrones. Warner Bros. is not named as a defendant in the suit.

Netflix has responded to the lawsuit, calling it “meritless” and an attempt to leverage attention on the deal. The company defended its pricing strategy, arguing that it has consistently raised subscription prices despite competition.

The Warner Bros. Discovery board of directors announced it will review Paramount’s rival offer. The law firm behind the consumer lawsuit, Bathaee Dunne, has previously pursued antitrust cases against major entertainment companies, including a suit against The Walt Disney Co. over YouTube TV pricing.

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