- In the latest turn in an ongoing media succession drama, Viacom (VIA, VIAB) chief Philippe Dauman -- wrestling for control of the company (and a media empire) with Sumner Redstone -- has petitioned a Massachusetts court for an immediate exam of Redstone's mental condition.
- A hearing is set for June 30 on that decision.
- Redstone acted to remove Dauman and four other directors from Viacom's board, though those moves are on hold as a Delaware judge awaits the Massachusetts action.
- Dauman and board ally George Abrams say in their motion that Redstone's mental condition is the "central issue" and they expect to have their board removal invalidated. They're pressing for an immediate evaluation as events in the case are happening quickly and could become irreversible.
- After hours: VIAB +2%.