Paramount CEO Defends South Park After Merger

David Ellison, the new CEO of Paramount following its merger with Skydance Media, has publicly defended South Park and its creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, as 'equal opportunity offenders' despite controversy over the show's 27th season, which satirized the Trump administration and other political figures. Ellison, a longtime fan, emphasized his commitment to creative freedom and profitability, distancing himself from previous management decisions including the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Paramount’s legal settlement with Trump. The Trump administration has criticized South Park as irrelevant, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and VP JD Vance were among the satirical targets; Vance appeared to embrace his depiction. South Park continues to achieve high ratings and lead streaming charts, reinforcing its status as a valuable asset for Paramount. The merger between Paramount and Skydance was completed after the Trump lawsuit settlement, prompting speculation about company independence, but Ellison insists on a nonpartisan approach. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between media companies, political backlash, and editorial independence.