Paramount X Twitter Account Hacked, Declares ‘Proud Arm of Fascist Regime’
The official X account for Paramount Pictures was hacked on Tuesday, raising concerns about security on social media platforms. The account’s bio was altered to state, “Proud arm of the fascist regime.” This alarming change caught the attention of the public and industry insiders alike.
Details of the Hack
Paramount Pictures boasts nearly 3.5 million followers on X. The unauthorized modification to their account description appeared just a day after David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance initiated a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. This development came shortly after an agreement between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the purchase of WB’s studios and HBO divisions.
Response from Paramount Pictures
As soon as news of the hack surfaced, Paramount Pictures reverted the account description back to its official statement, reflecting their commitment to maintaining their brand image. An inquiry regarding the incident has been sent to Paramount for additional comments.
Context of the Timing
The timing of the hack raises eyebrows, particularly given its close proximity to significant corporate maneuvers. On August 7, Skydance Media completed its acquisition of Paramount Global, with David Ellison at the helm as CEO. In October, Ellison secured a $150 million deal to acquire The Free Press, a media outlet known for its contrarian views, further intertwining the Ellisons with contentious media narratives.
Political Backdrop
- Former President Donald Trump maintains a relationship with the Ellison family.
- Trump praised David Ellison’s leadership potential during the company merger.
- Ellison’s actions appear to align with political movements, possibly in an effort to regain favor with conservative audiences.
In a recent statement on Truth Social, Trump criticized the new ownership of “60 Minutes” and its content, expressing his discontent with recent programming choices. He did not comment directly on Paramount’s proposed bid for Warner Bros. Discovery but acknowledged familiarity with both companies.
Implications for the Entertainment Industry
The hacking incident highlights vulnerabilities in social media security for large corporations. This situation could affect public perception of Paramount Pictures amid ongoing corporate disputes in the entertainment sector.
Industry analysts will be observing how these corporate developments, alongside the recent hack, will influence the strategies of Paramount and its competitors moving forward.
