Jeff Shell, President of Paramount Skydance Corporation, has responded to threats from professional gambler R.J. Cipriani with a counterclaim against him in LA Superior Court. The counterclaim accuses Cipriani of extortion, breach of oral contract, and fraud. According to the filing, Shell denies sharing confidential information about Paramount’s business deals, including its $7.7 billion UFC deal and $111 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery.
Cipriani had previously threatened Shell with a lawsuit and demanded payment over allegedly leaked data and insider information. However, the counterclaim claims that Cipriani fabricated these allegations to extort money from Shell. The filing also reveals a timeline of pressure tactics and threats made by Cipriani and his lawyer against Shell, including warnings that Shell would be sued.
The Shells’ counterclaim seeks damages, an injunction restraining Cipriani from further defaming Shell, and may have implications for Paramount’s reputation. As the Oscars controversy surrounding Shell’s past indiscretions unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this case will shed more light on the situation.
Source: https://deadline.com/2026/03/jeff-shell-sues-whistleblower-parmount-david-ellison-1236756756