The California State Senate has launched an investigation to determine whether Paramount Global violated state laws related to bribery and unfair competition. The inquiry revolves around a $15 million settlement offer reportedly made by Paramount to former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign over a lawsuit concerning an edited CBS News interview with Kamala Harris, as reported by Reuters.
Central to the investigation are recent developments involving Paramount's legal battle. Trump's legal team is demanding over $25 million and a public apology from CBS News, with Paramount attempting to have the lawsuit dismissed. Complications arose internally as CBS News's President Wendy McMahon and '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens resigned in opposition to the settlement. Moreover, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a Paramount shareholder, has threatened legal action against any finalized settlement, criticizing it as potentially unlawful.
Outside pressures are also mounting, with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren showing interest in whether the settlement might breach bribery laws. These combined actions underscore the heightened scrutiny facing Paramount, as legislative and regulatory entities analyze the implications of resolving the high-profile dispute.