The settlement, which ends the AG’s legal challenge to the Ellisons’ proposed Warner Bros merger, was unveiled during a 45‑minute press conference in Sacramento on Monday morning.
To add a different perspective, Page Six Hollywood consulted British body‑language specialist Inbaal Honigman, who dissected Bonta’s posture, gestures, eye movements and vocal tone throughout the briefing.
Honigman said the opening moments showed clear signs of tension: Bonta lowered his eyes, pressed his lips together and let out sighs, which she interpreted as frustration and a desire to hold back his opinions about the deal.
When the discussion turned to worker‑protection provisions, Honigman observed a noticeable change – Bonta raised his eyebrows, opened his palms and spread his arms, signals she linked to genuine interest, trust and a sense of accomplishment for improving labor rights.
Later, as Bonta highlighted gains such as independent storytelling protections and guaranteed investment, his body language, according to Honigman, became “proud and confident,” with a lifted head, lengthened back and precise hand movements that she said convey precision and pride.
During the question‑and‑answer segment, Honigman noted nervous habits – pushing up glasses, touching his nose and puckering his chin – but also pointed out that Bonta answered each query with firm stance, direct eye contact and a “thumb‑fist” gesture she associates with elected officials and politicians.
Based on that gesture, Honigman speculated that Bonta might be eyeing higher office, suggesting his body language “confirms” an interest in the governor’s mansion, though she stopped short of claiming any confirmed political plans.
The settlement itself resolves the AG’s challenge to the merger, but Honigman’s analysis adds a layer of personal speculation that has sparked further commentary about Bonta’s future ambitions.