Jeff Shell wows robust defense against insider corporate info lawsuit

Paramount president Jeff Shell plans to defend against a pending lawsuit from a former longtime associate regarding accusations of mishandling and revealing sensitive corporate information by Shell.

“We were given a preliminary complaint filled with obvious mistakes in both fact and law.” Shell’s attorney Patricia Glaser told Deadline this evening amid speculations about Shell and an internal probe circulating in the industry. “We will vigorously defend.”

The person involved here is professional gambler and Cocaine Quarterback Amazon documentary participant Robert James “RJ” Cipriani, insiders inform me. Deadline attempted to contact Cipriani for a statement regarding the alleged lawsuit but did not receive a reply.

After receiving communication from Cipriani, Shell approached Paramount regarding the accusations.

Over the last month, an internal investigation commenced at the David Ellison-owned studio. 

Following company procedures, the law firm Gibson Dunn was engaged. Gibson Dunn litigation partner Nick Hanna, previously the US Attorney for the Central District of California during Donald Trump’s first term, is steering the ongoing investigation on behalf of the firm and Paramount.

Shell was removed from his NBCUniversal CEO position in 2023 for cause following allegations of “inappropriate conduct” and “sexual harassment” of then CNBC anchor and correspondent Hadley Gamble.

As Shell withdrew to manage the repercussions with his family, additional allegations of improper conduct by the executive were found to be baseless. 

In the summer of 2024, as Skydance’s David Ellison’s acquisition of Paramount from Shari Redstone advanced towards a deal and required months of regulatory approvals, Shell was considered for a top role at the studio.

He assumed the role of company President in August 2025. Along with serving on the Ellison-chaired 11-person board, Shell’s responsibilities at Paramount include “overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Company’s media businesses under CEO David Ellison’s strategic guidance,” according to his official biography.