David Ellison has been publicly targeted over his role at Paramount Skydance after a plane carrying a blunt message about the CEO flew above Paramount Studios. The banner made a pointed reference to his relationship with President Donald Trump and quickly drew attention. The incident comes as Ellison faces continued criticism over Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Vulgar banner flies over Paramount studio about CEO David Ellison
David Ellison has become the target of a provocative public display outside Paramount Studios. On Thursday, a plane flew over the Hollywood lot carrying a banner that directly attacked the Paramount Skydance CEO, with the message, “Ellison Is Trump’s B***h!” No individual or organization has publicly claimed responsibility for the display.
The display comes amid an increasingly contentious battle over Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Ellison’s handling of the deal has drawn criticism from opponents who are challenging the proposed $111 billion transaction on both legal and political grounds. The proposed merger is facing a 12-state antitrust lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The case is currently expected to reach trial in March 2027 if no settlement is reached.
At the same time, representatives of the Block the Merger coalition gathered outside the studio to support the state attorneys general challenging the proposed transaction. According to Variety, the group said it intended to “thank state attorneys general for holding firm in their lawsuit to block the $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger” and called for continued resistance to what it has described as Paramount “blackmail.”
Ellison’s relationship with President Donald Trump has also become part of the wider controversy. Trump has a close relationship with both Ellison and his father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The president’s connection to the family has drawn additional attention as Paramount moves forward with its proposed acquisition.
For now, the identity of those behind the aerial message remains unknown.
