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A banner-towing plane recently flew over Paramount Pictures’ Hollywood lot, showing a message aimed at CEO David Ellison: “ELLISON IS TRUMP’S B—-!” No one has yet claimed responsibility for the stunt, and its origin remains unknown.

The flyover landed in the middle of an already tense day at the studio, where a coalition calling itself Neighbors for Strong Communities had gathered to hold a press conference warning of what could happen to California if Paramount follows through on threats to leave the state.

Paramount CEO targeted by banner as Warner Bros. merger battle continues

Paramount’s stalled $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery has caused widespread controversy. Ellison has warned that if the deal isn’t finalized by October 1, Paramount will start paying Warner Bros. shareholders a steep penalty of close to $7 million every day it remains unresolved. Standing in the way is a multistate antitrust challenge led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by attorneys general from 11 other states, with a trial not expected until March 2027 absent a settlement.

Nearby, members of the Block the Merger coalition held a separate demonstration, applauding the attorneys general for continuing to resist the merger and accusing Paramount of using pressure tactics — which the group has branded “blackmail” — to force a resolution. A Block the Merger spokesperson said the group had no connection to the plane. Paramount has not yet made an official comment (via Variety).

The banner’s message appears to reference a broader unease over David Ellison’s closeness with President Donald Trump and concerns over CNN falling under Paramount’s ownership through the Warner Bros. deal. The connection between the two was on display in April, when David Ellison held a Washington dinner in Trump’s honor centered on First Amendment themes, drawing CBS News leadership, including editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.