Jeff Shell says he will vigorously rebut a threatened complaint alleging improper disclosure of confidential information as Paramount moves ahead with an internal investigation
Paramount is conducting an internal review after a draft complaint circulated that accuses company president Jeff Shell of disclosing or misusing sensitive corporate materials. The potential plaintiff, identified by reporters as Robert James “RJ Cipriani” — a professional gambler who appeared in an Amazon documentary — has not responded to requests for comment. Lawyers for Shell have warned they will mount a vigorous defense and have threatened counterclaims if a suit is filed.
The basics
– Who: Paramount executives; company president Jeff Shell; alleged complainant Robert James “RJ Cipriani.”
– What triggered the review: purported exchanges between Shell and Cipriani that surfaced in a draft complaint prepared by a former associate.
– Where: the inquiry is centered at Paramount’s corporate offices and with the company’s legal team.
– Current status: an internal investigation is underway and Paramount has retained outside counsel.
Shell’s response
Shell’s attorneys have described the draft complaint as legally and factually flawed. Patricia Glaser, speaking for Shell, said the filing contains errors and indicated the defense will move quickly to challenge any claim that is actually filed. The defense strategy focuses on disputing jurisdictional assertions, the factual underpinnings of the draft, and the applicability of confidentiality rules — and it signals readiness to seek corrective relief and counterclaims if needed.
Paramount’s internal probe
Paramount has hired Gibson Dunn, with partner Nick Hanna overseeing the review. The firm’s assignment is straightforward: gather documents, interview relevant employees, and advise the company on any legal, regulatory or compliance exposure. Company sources say normal business operations continue while the independent review proceeds.
Why this matters
An investigation of this kind raises questions about how confidential materials are handled at the highest levels of the company and puts additional scrutiny on executive oversight. The board has been briefed, and directors are monitoring developments. Observers note that even a draft complaint can prompt swift defensive legal maneuvers and may lead outside counsel to evaluate potential fiduciary or regulatory implications.
Context
Shell’s role at Paramount — he serves on the company’s 11-person board and oversees day-to-day operations under chairman David Ellison — increases the stakes. His past includes removal from the CEO role at NBCUniversal amid misconduct allegations that were later described as unsubstantiated, and he joined Paramount’s senior leadership thereafter. That history means the review will attract attention both inside and outside the company.
Possible outcomes and next steps
There are a few likely paths forward:
– The internal investigation finds no basis for further action and the matter ends internally.
– The review uncovers policy or legal violations that prompt internal discipline, changes to procedures, or referrals to regulators.
– The draft complaint is filed, which would move the dispute into litigation — pleadings, discovery, depositions and motions would follow.
– The parties could pursue a negotiated settlement and avoid court.
What we know and what remains unclear
Paramount and the board have declined to expand on public filings. The company emphasizes confidentiality and says it will act on Gibson Dunn’s findings. At this stage the complaint remains unfiled; Shell’s counsel has publicly signaled an aggressive response should litigation proceed. Reporters confirm that business at Paramount is continuing as usual while the inquiry unfolds.
We will update as investigators report their findings or if a formal filing appears.