Overview
- Shell filed a cross-complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing R.J. Cipriani of an extortionate campaign and defamation tied to threats over alleged securities-law violations.
- The filing rejects claims that Shell leaked material nonpublic details of Paramount’s $7.7 billion UFC media-rights deal or discussed confidential Warner Bros. Discovery plans, noting attorney Patricia Glaser’s presence at key meetings.
- Shell seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order restraining Cipriani from further statements he asserts are false.
- Cipriani previously sued for $150 million, alleging fraud and breach of an oral deal involving an English-language version of a Roku music show and claiming unpaid crisis-communications work.
- Paramount has engaged Gibson Dunn for an internal review, a related SEC inquiry has been reported, and Deadline reports Cipriani may pursue an expanded complaint naming David and Larry Ellison, RedBird Capital Partners and other executives.