Paramount Skydance Corporation President Jeff Shell has launched a legal counterattack against professional gambler R.J. Cipriani, filing a counterclaim in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday. The move comes after Cipriani filed a $150 million lawsuit against Shell and his wife Laura last week, alleging insider information and leaked data related to Paramount's $7.7 billion UFC deal.
Shell's 181-page counterclaim, prepared by O'Melveny & Myers LLP, denies Cipriani's accusations and describes them as an extortion attempt. It alleges that Cipriani, a self-described media strategist, used a trusted mutual connection to gain access to Shell, then fabricated claims of behind-the-scenes assistance to demand payment. The filing states: 'R.J. Cipriani did not come to Court to enforce some purported oral agreement. He came to complete a shakedown.'
Cipriani is reportedly preparing to file a separate breach of oral contract and fraud suit against David Ellison, his father Larry Ellison, financier RedBird Capital Partners, and other studio executives, including Shell. A draft of that complaint, drawn up by attorney Steven J. Aaronoff, has been circulating and may be filed as early as Tuesday. Cipriani claims Shell promised to help him produce a reality TV show and owed him compensation for crisis PR work that allegedly helped secure the UFC deal and South Park rights.
Shell's counterclaim outlines a timeline of pressure tactics from Cipriani and Aaronoff in early 2026, including media leaks and public statements. It accuses Cipriani of a pattern of extortion against wealthy individuals, attempting to attach himself to high-profile figures like Shell and Endeavour's Ari Emanuel. The filing seeks a jury trial and asserts that Cipriani's allegations of Shell sharing confidential business details are 'utterly false.'
Legal experts suggest Shell's counterclaim aims to preempt Cipriani's next move and discredit his allegations. Cipriani has referred to himself as a 'nationally recognized media strategist' with extensive industry connections, but Shell's filing portrays him as an 'inveterate gambler' who overplayed his hand. The case is expected to draw significant attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the serious nature of the allegations.
