High-Stakes Gambler RJ Cipriani Settles Lawsuit Against Paramount Executive Jeff Shell
Former Paramount Skydance president Jeff Shell and high-stakes gambler RJ Cipriani have settled their dueling lawsuits, with both sides dismissing their cases with prejudice. Shell had been ousted from Paramount following an internal investigation into whether he leaked confidential company information to Cipriani, who had sued for $150 million. The settlement closes one of Hollywood's most turbulent recent legal sagas, though its terms raise new questions about the role of shared attorney Patricia Glaser.
RJ Cipriani, a Las Vegas and Los Angeles gambling fixture, filed suit against Jeff Shell and others in March, claiming Shell had shared confidential Paramount information — including details of a $7.7 billion UFC media rights deal and internal views on a potential Warner Bros. acquisition — and had promised him compensation for crisis PR work. Shell countersued, calling Cipriani an 'inveterate gambler' running a shakedown. Both sides filed dismissals with prejudice in Los Angeles Superior Court this week, legally barring either party from refiling. Shell and Paramount are understood to have paid Cipriani nothing directly; however, sources indicate that attorney Patricia Glaser — who had separately represented both men and brokered their initial meeting — ultimately paid Cipriani more than $1 million of her own money to resolve the dispute, though the final figure remains undisclosed. Shell had stepped down as Paramount president in April after an internal investigation, which the company said found no securities violations on his part. The settlement reportedly includes mutual non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions, with a $250,000 liquidated damages clause for any breach.
What's missing
The precise final settlement amount paid by Patricia Glaser to Cipriani has not been confirmed by any party. It also remains unclear whether Glaser faces any professional or legal consequences for her dual-representation role.
How coverage differed
The New York Post framed the story with tabloid flair, emphasizing the colorful personalities involved and speculating that Cipriani received at least $2 million, while The Hollywood Reporter and Variety focused more soberly on the legal mechanics — particularly that Shell personally paid nothing and that Glaser's payment exceeded $1 million. The Post also included Cipriani's casting suggestions for a future film, lending the piece an entertainment tone absent from the trade outlets.
What different sources said
- Page SixCenter
Hollywood’s most explosive lawsuit that saw high-stakes gambler take down Paramount boss Jeff Shell finally settled for secret sum
- The Hollywood ReporterCenter
How Much Did Ex-Paramount President Jeff Shell Pay to Settle Gambler’s Suit? Nothing.
- VarietyCenter
Jeff Shell Settles Litigation With Gambler Whom He Accused of ‘Shakedown’
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