Jane Fonda dubs Netflix-Warner Bros. deal as 'catastrophic'

Jane Fonda is publicly voicing her concerns over Netflix’s $82.7 billion move to acquire Warner Bros., sharing a forceful joint statement with the Committee for the First Amendment on Instagram Friday evening.

In the post, Fonda calls the merger “an alarming escalation of the consolidation that threatens the entire entertainment industry, the democratic public it serves and the first amendment.”

The statement goes further, warning, “Make no mistake, this is not just a catastrophic business deal that could destroy our creative industry. It is a constitutional crisis exacerbated by the administration’s demonstrated disregard for the law.”

Fonda also directed part of her message to the Department of Justice, urging federal authorities not to interfere with creative independence. “We demand that you categorically refrain from using that power to extract political concessions that influence content decisions or chill free speech,” the post reads.

She also challenged Netflix and any companies tied to the acquisition. “As stewards of an industry built on free expression, you have a responsibility to defend our rights, not trade them away to pad your pockets. We know there will be enormous pressure to acquiesce, it is critical you stay strong,” she added.

Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the deal earlier Friday in a press release touting the expanded catalog the acquisition would bring.

“By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies — from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends — with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better,” Sarandos said, adding, “Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”

The company also stated it “expects” to continue releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters.