Everyone vs. Bonta: How California’s attorney general united Newsom, Hollywood unions, and Republicans

Published September 17, 2026 9:00am ET



California Attorney General Rob Bonta has achieved a rare feat in today’s polarized political climate: He has united Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, business leaders, Hollywood unions, theater owners, and a growing number of Republican attorneys general.

They are all pushing back against Bonta’s politically charged and economically destructive crusade to derail the Paramount merger and have the government dictate the future of the American entertainment industry.

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