Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Amazon Over Pia Barlow Hire 16 Months Before 2027 Contract End
Updated
Updated · Variety · Jul 24
Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Amazon Over Pia Barlow Hire 16 Months Before 2027 Contract End
3 articles · Updated · Variety · Jul 24
Summary
Warner Bros. Discovery filed a July 21 lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging Amazon illegally induced HBO marketing veteran Pia Barlow to leave before her contract expires on Oct. 31, 2027.
Amazon MGM Studios announced Friday that Barlow will become head of original series marketing on Aug. 3, after WBD says she signaled her early exit in May and formally resigned on June 5.
The complaint says Amazon lured Barlow with higher pay, promised legal protection and even chose outside counsel for her, amounting to intentional interference, inducement of breach and unfair competition under California law.
WBD is seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief, and claims Barlow was part of a broader Amazon effort that included one failed attempt on another executive and at least one ongoing target.