California Gov. Gavin Newsom was seen mingling with some of Hollywood’s biggest names in Malibu on Friday night as tensions continued over Paramount’s proposed merger.
Newsom was photographed leaving the celebrity-favorite restaurant Nobu with actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Tobey Maguire.
According to TMZ, the group had dinner at the iconic Japanese restaurant, which is co-owned by De Niro.
De Niro has been among President Trump’s most outspoken celebrity critics. During a podcast interview in February, he urged Americans to “resist, resist, resist.”
The actor has also praised Newsom’s confrontational approach toward Trump on social media. De Niro endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The high-profile dinner took place as questions continued to mount over whether Paramount could leave California amid a legal fight surrounding its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general have sued to stop the transaction, citing antitrust concerns.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has warned that the company could move its studio operations out of the Golden State if the dispute remains unresolved, fueling concerns about the possible loss of thousands of entertainment jobs.
Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are among the officials calling on the two sides to reach a settlement.
The dinner also came as speculation continues over whether Newsom might pursue the presidency in 2028. He has not announced a campaign.
A recent Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll showed Newsom receiving 14% support from Democrats surveyed about a hypothetical 2028 presidential primary, compared with 17% for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
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