SeaWorld, Investors to Settle Blackfish Suit for $65 Million

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. secured initial approval Wednesday for a $65 million settlement to resolve allegations in California federal district court that the theme park company misled investors ahead of the 2013 “Blackfish” documentary.

Investors sued in 2014 after SeaWorld’s stock dropped when park attendance allegedly declined following the release of the documentary, which detailed the dangers and cruelty inherent in keeping killer whales in captivity. Judge Michael M. Anello of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California granted preliminary approval of the settlement.

Anello certified the class in 2017 and the U.S. Court of Appeals for ...