Gavin Newsom Dines With Hollywood Elite Amid Paramount Merger Drama
The California governor was spotted at Malibu's Nobu with actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Tobey Maguire.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was seen dining with a group of prominent actors, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Tobey Maguire, at the exclusive Malibu restaurant Nobu on Friday night. The gathering occurred as the state navigates significant developments in the entertainment industry, including the ongoing merger battle involving Paramount.
De Niro, a co-owner of Nobu, has been a vocal critic of former President Trump and has publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris. His past endorsements and public statements align with a political stance that has also been associated with Governor Newsom's public persona.
The dinner took place against a backdrop of uncertainty for Paramount Pictures. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside 11 other state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Paramount's proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing antitrust concerns. Paramount CEO David Ellison has reportedly suggested the studio might relocate from California if the dispute is not resolved, a move that could impact thousands of entertainment industry jobs.
Both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have reportedly encouraged a settlement between the parties involved in the merger dispute.
The high-profile dinner also occurs amidst ongoing speculation regarding Newsom's potential presidential ambitions for 2028. While Newsom has not announced any plans to run for president, recent polling data suggests he could garner significant support among Democratic voters in a hypothetical primary.
A recent poll from Bowling Green State University and YouGov indicated Newsom with 14% support among Democrats surveyed for a potential 2028 presidential primary, trailing former Vice President Kamala Harris, who received 17% support in the same survey.