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FinanceWarner Bros. Discovery sues Amazon over alleged poaching of senior executive
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Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the tech giant of engaging in a 'lawless employee shopping spree' by poaching a senior executive. The suit centers on Pia Barlow, HBO Max's former senior VP of originals marketing, who resigned on June 5 after notifying WBD of her plans in late May. Amazon hired Barlow for a newly created head of original series marketing role starting August 3. WBD alleges Amazon lured Barlow into breaking her employment agreement by offering a larger paycheck and providing her with an outside law firm for legal defense. The company claims this is not an isolated incident, stating Amazon attempted a similar tactic on another WBD executive weeks earlier, though that effort failed. WBD is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. Amazon declined to comment on the allegations.
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By Jonathan Small Mon, July 27, 2026 at 6:51 AM PDT | 1 min read
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One of this summer's biggest Hollywood dramas isn't on a screen — it's a lawsuit.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is suing Amazon, accusing the tech giant of running a "lawless employee shopping spree," according to Variety.
Key Details
- The dispute centers on Pia Barlow, HBO Max's former senior vice president of originals marketing.
- Amazon hired Barlow for a newly created role as head of original series marketing, starting August 3.
- WBD alleges Amazon lured Barlow into breaking her agreement with the company by offering a larger paycheck and providing her with one of Amazon's own hand-picked outside law firms for legal defense.
- Barlow resigned on June 5, after notifying WBD of her plans in late May.
Broader Allegations
WBD claims this is not an isolated incident. The company alleges Amazon attempted a similar poaching tactic on another WBD executive weeks earlier, though that effort reportedly failed.
Legal Action
WBD is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction. Amazon declined to comment.
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Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Amazon Over Alleged Employee Poaching