Talks break down between Colorado, 12-state coalition and Paramount amid antitrust lawsuit

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KRDO) - California's Attorney General canceled Monday's negotiations with Paramount after he said the company leaked private meetings and acted "in bad faith."

California and 11 other states, including Colorado, filed an antitrust lawsuit over its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. The 12-state coalition alleges the merger is anti-competitive and will restrict jobs in Hollywood.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta met privately with Paramount on Friday. Bonta said the company leaked the contents of the meeting and misrepresented what was said.

A Paramount spokesperson said it was not the source of the leak and hopes talks can continue.

Paramount has agreed to freeze the merger until June 1, 2027, or until the two sides can agree on a settlement.