Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín on Monday granted a temporary restraining order pausing the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger while she considers a broader antitrust legal challenge brought by a coalition of 12 state attorneys general, led by California AG Rob Bonta.

A judge on Friday heard arguments on the states' bid to pause the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, but did not issue a ruling.

Paramount's owners were hoping they'd be firmly in control of rival Warner Bros. Discovery by the end of this week. Monday's temporary restraining order puts that plan on hold.

California and eleven states secured a pause on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They argued the massive media merger would harm competition and raise prices. …

A federal judge on Monday ordered Paramount and Warner Bros