Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the tech giant of deliberately targeting executives who remain under contract with the media company, states The Hollywood Reporter.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, alleges that Amazon engaged in the intentional interference of contractual relationships, breach of contract, interference with prospective economic advantage and unfair competition.
At the centre of the dispute is Pia Barlow, the former Executive Vice President of Originals Marketing at HBO Max, who was recently appointed Head of Original Series Marketing at Amazon MGM Studios.
According to the lawsuit, Barlow’s employment agreement was due to run until 31 October 2027, and Amazon knowingly encouraged her to leave before the contract expired.
“Though it was aware of Barlow’s ongoing contractual commitment… Amazon has brazenly and deliberately induced Barlow to breach the employment agreement,” the filing states.
Warner Bros. Discovery also claims Barlow is not the only executive Amazon has attempted to recruit.
The company alleges that, weeks before hiring Barlow, Amazon tried to persuade another WBD executive—whose contract reportedly runs until December 2027—to leave the company.
According to the lawsuit, that recruitment effort was ultimately unsuccessful.
The media giant argues that Amazon has engaged in a broader strategy of recruiting employees who remain bound by long-term employment agreements.
As part of the legal action, Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages and injunctive relief to prevent further alleged interference with its contractual relationships.
Amazon has not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the lawsuit.
The case marks the latest legal dispute involving two of the entertainment industry’s biggest players as competition for experienced executives intensifies amid the ongoing streaming battle.
