How the Susan Rice snafu cost Netflix on home stretch of Warner Bros. Discovery deal
Netflix recently withdrew from the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery for various reasons, one of which may have been the influence of Susan Rice, a former Obama national security adviser and Netflix board member.
Rice’s comments on a podcast hosted by Preet Bharara, a former US Attorney, raised concerns about corporations facing consequences if they comply with demands from the Trump administration and later seek forgiveness from Democrats in power.
President Trump reacted strongly to Rice’s remarks, calling for her immediate removal from Netflix or facing consequences on his Truth Social platform.
Amidst the DOJ’s antitrust inquiry into Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Rice’s comments added pressure on the streaming giant. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos attempted to address concerns about potential monopolistic behavior but ultimately withdrew from the bidding war following a meeting at the White House.
Despite Sarandos’ efforts, the DOJ still expressed antitrust concerns regarding the deal, with some jokingly suggesting that bringing Susan Rice to the meeting could have helped. Rice was unreachable for comment on the matter.
