California Attorney General Rob Bonta is under scrutiny following allegations from Republican challenger Michael Gates and the California GOP that political funding connected to Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings' family influenced a multi-state lawsuit he filed to block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, is part of a 12-state effort to challenge the merger. Gates, the Republican nominee for California attorney general, told Fox News Digital that the financial relationship between Bonta and Netflix-linked donors warrants an investigation. "Rob Bonta has turned his taxpayer-funded office into a favor factory for his political bosses and donors. He's pursuing politically-motivated litigation against a competitor for a company that's bankrolled his PAC," Gates said. He added, "This all warrants an investigation into his activities to uncover the full truth about Bonta's conduct."

Fox News Digital reported in 2022 that an independent committee was working to support Bonta and other progressive prosecutors. In February 2026, Bonta's office announced an investigation into the purchase of Warner Bros. by either Netflix or Paramount.

Paramount has agreed not to close the acquisition until five days after a ruling on the merits expected in June 2027, with a federal trial scheduled for March.

Critics have accused Bonta of using his office to protect Netflix's streaming monopoly, with statements labeling the lawsuit as a "corrupt political favor" and describing the situation as "Sacramento at its worst." The controversy adds to ongoing federal investigations and legal challenges within California's political landscape.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta with Governor Gavin Newsom California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks as California Governor Gavin Newsom looks on during a news conference at Gemperle Orchard on April 16, 2025, in Ceres, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)