Jeff Shell Resolves Lawsuit With Gambler, Case Dismissed

WHO:

Deadline - Jeff Shell, former president of Paramount; R.J. Cipriani, self-styled professional gambler; Larry and David Ellison, associated with Paramount.

Variety - Jeff Shell; R.J. Cipriani; Patty Glaser, mutual lawyer for both parties; Steven Aaronoff, Cipriani’s attorney.

WHAT:

Deadline - Jeff Shell and R.J. Cipriani have settled a lawsuit, which has been dismissed with prejudice.

Variety - Cipriani sought $150 million for off-the-books crisis PR work and alleged that Shell leaked confidential company information.

Variety - Shell countersued Cipriani, claiming he was being shaken down for an undeserved payday.

Variety - The internal investigation concluded that Shell had not violated any securities rules.

WHERE:

Variety - The dispute involved Paramount, a major entertainment company.

WHEN:

Variety - Cipriani filed his lawsuit in March.

Variety - Shell stepped down as president in April.

Variety - The internal investigation concluded in April.

Variety - Cipriani claimed credit for a June 2025 article in the Hollywood Reporter.

WHY:

Variety - Cipriani claimed he was owed millions for communications work performed under an unwritten agreement.

Variety - Shell stepped down to “focus” on the litigation and called the allegations against him “frivolous and baseless.”

HOW:

Variety - Cipriani alleged that he received confidential information from Shell in violation of securities laws.

Variety - Patty Glaser sought to resolve the dispute by offering Cipriani a $150,000 “loan” that would not have to be repaid.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 04:27 UTC)

Jeff Shell and R.J. Cipriani have settled their lawsuit, which has been dismissed with prejudice, following a dispute involving Paramount, a major entertainment company. Cipriani had sought $150 million for off-the-books crisis PR work and alleged that Shell leaked confidential company information, while Shell countersued, claiming he was being shaken down for an undeserved payday. The internal investigation concluded that Shell had not violated any securities rules, and Patty Glaser attempted to resolve the matter by offering Cipriani a $150,000 loan that would not have to be repaid.