Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the tech giant of orchestrating a "lawless employee shopping spree" by systematically poaching executives still under contract.
The complaint, submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on July 21, brings the clash between Hollywood's traditional contract system and Silicon Valley's flexible hiring practices to the forefront.
At the center of the dispute is Pia Barlow, the former Executive Vice President of Original Marketing at HBO Max. Warner Bros. states that Barlow's employment contract runs until October 31, 2027, and she had "explicitly promised" to work until its expiration. However, Amazon.com intervened over a year before her start date, ultimately prompting her resignation in June. She is set to begin her role as Head of Series Marketing at Amazon MGM Studios on August 3.
In the filing, Warner Bros. uses strong language to accuse Amazon.com of inducing contracted employees to "brazenly" breach their agreements, promising them legal protection and covering associated costs. Warner Bros. also claims that Amazon.com attempted to poach another executive under contract until the end of 2027 but was unsuccessful, and that the company continues to target additional staff.
Warner Bros. is seeking unspecified damages and is asking the court to issue an injunction preventing Amazon.com from hiring any of its contracted employees before their agreements expire. Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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