In 2016, the fate of Paramount - the media empire that includes Viacom, CBS, and Simon & Schuster - hung precariously in the balance. Its founder and head, 93 year old Sumner Redstone, was facing a very public lawsuit brought by Manuela Herzer who tried to influence the aging media mogul to cut off his own family and hand over his bank accounts and controlling shares. After their machinations came to light, Herzer was excised from the will, and Sumner's daughter, Shari Redstone, took charge of her father's care. Shari, whose relationship with Sumner had been less than warm, took control of her father's business, to the frustration of the board and management. Les Moonves, the popular CEO of CBS, was particularly incensed; scheming with his allies on the board, he called to strip Shari of power.