Jeff Shell Settles Suit With Gambler Whom He Accused of 'Shakedown'
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Jeff Shell, former president of Paramount Skydance, and gambler R.J. Cipriani have mutually dropped their lawsuits, resolving litigation over claims of leaked confidential information and unpaid crisis PR work, with no payment made to Cipriani.
- Cipriani sued Shell and others for millions owed under an unwritten agreement for communications work, while Shell countersued, accusing Cipriani of attempting a shakedown; both suits were dropped with prejudice.
- Cipriani alleged Shell leaked confidential information violating securities laws, but an internal Paramount investigation cleared Shell of any wrongdoing.
- Shell resigned in April amid the litigation, with Paramount labeling the allegations as “frivolous and baseless.”
- Cipriani also claimed credit for a 2025 Hollywood Reporter article that allegedly saved Paramount $1.5 billion, asserting he was never compensated for this contribution.