Warner Bros. Discovery sues Amazon over alleged breach of contract and employee poaching

Warner Bros. Discovery has initiated legal proceedings against Amazon, accusing the technology conglomerate of inducing its employees to breach their employment contracts. The lawsuit centres on the early departure of Pia Barlow, the former executive vice-president for originals marketing at HBO Max, who left the studio 16 months before her contract was set to expire in October 2027.

According to the complaint, Amazon was aware of Barlow’s existing agreement but offered a higher compensation package to secure her services. Warner Bros. further alleges that the tech giant promised to cover Barlow’s legal costs should she face litigation for the breach. Barlow is expected to commence her new role at Amazon on August 3.

The legal action also addresses an unsuccessful recruitment attempt involving Francesca Orsi, an executive overseeing HBO drama and film. Amazon reportedly sought to appoint Orsi to lead its Drama and Comedy department, but when she declined, the company instead appointed separate heads for drama, comedy, and young adult content. Orsi’s contract with Warner Bros. was not due to expire until December 2027.

Warner Bros. Discovery describes Amazon as riding on the "coattails of other well-established Hollywood mainstays" and accuses the tech firm of openly embarking on an "unlawful course" to "pirate away" contracted staff. The company has filed claims for intentional interference with contractual relations, inducing breach of contract, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition.

In its filing, Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking both a preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent Amazon from inducing further breaches of contract. The media group is also pursuing unspecified monetary damages to compensate for the alleged harm caused by the recruitment tactics.