US studio president had been embroiled in legal spat with gambler over alleged non-public information disclosure
Paramount president Jeff Shell is leaving the company, according to US reports.
Shell was appointed in 2024 by chief executive David Ellison and worked on Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, before more recently assisting the company’s move for Warner Bros Discovery.
He stepped aside from his day-to-day role several weeks ago after facing accusations from professional gambler RJ Cipriani that he disclosed non-public information, including details of Paramount’s deal for rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The exec was facing an internal investigation around the disclosure of the private information, but its findings have not yet been made public.
Shell’s future has, however, been in doubt for several weeks and he is now set to formally depart, although Paramount has not confirmed the move. The US studio had not immediately responded to Broadcast International’s request for comment at press time.
It is not clear who will take on the remit of Shell, whose departure comes after Cipriani sued the exec for around $150m over the non-payment of services, including crisis communications. Shell counter-sued, alleging that Cipriani was telling lies.
The departure is Shell’s second senior exit in three years, after he was let go by NBC Universal parent Comcast in 2023 for an “inappropriate” relationship with an employee.
Deadline broke news of Shell’s exit from Paramount.
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