Paramount Offers up "Bribe" to Trump to Settle Lawsuit

Paramount Global is reportedly offering a substantial multi-million dollar settlement to Donald Trump in an attempt to resolve his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS over a 60 Minutes interview. This move comes as Paramount, under Shari Redstone's leadership, seeks to remove a significant roadblock to its proposed merger with Skydance Media. However, some observers are questioning the timing and nature of this offer, suggesting it could be perceived as a "bribe" to gain approval for the crucial corporate transaction.

Sources close to the ongoing negotiations indicate that while a deal is not yet finalized, an "eight-figure discussion" is underway. "It’s very early days," a source told Deadline, adding, "An opening offer has been made, but more negotiations are underway."

Trump's lawsuit, filed in the final days of the last election cycle, targets CBS over its editing of a 60 Minutes interview with then-Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The suit, a "Hail Mary action," sought a headline-grabbing $20 billion, alleging violations of Texas’ Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Paramount has offered $15 million, but Trump's legal team is reportedly seeking $25 million along with an apology from CBS News