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Read Full BioHigh-stakes gambler RJ Cipriani has allegedly threatened to sue Paramount President Jeff Shell for failing to pay him for consulting services. Cipriani, who also goes by the name Robin Hood 702, claims he has assisted Shell on various matters since last year.
The self-described philanthropist, gambler, and activist reportedly contacted Paramount executives to warn them of the impending lawsuit. Paramount then contacted lawyers to advise on the claims.
Lawyer at Center of Claims
Shell’s lawyer Patricia Glaser responded to the claims, stating, “We were presented with a draft complaint riddled with clear errors of fact and law. We will strongly respond.”
Glaser previously represented Cipriani and allegedly connected him with Shell last year. A source told Page Six, “The question is why Patty connected Jeff to this guy.”
When asked why Shell had enlisted the help of Glaser, who had previously represented Cipriani, he responded, “You should call and ask her about that. Get your [popcorn emoji] ready.”
Cipriani claims he saved Paramount millions of dollars by helping Shell successfully navigate a standoff with the South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
He also alleges that Shell leaked details of Paramount’s $7.7 billion deal with the UFC. The former NBC Universal CEO took up his role at Paramount in August last year, following the company’s acquisition of Skydance.
It is not the first complaint Shell has faced. He was forced to resign from his role at NBC following accusations that he sexually harassed CNBC anchor and correspondent Hadley Gamble.
Cipriani Trying ‘To Change the World’
Cipriani has previously taken on Mexican cartels, illegal bookies, and Las Vegas casinos in campaigns and legal battles. He filed a lawsuit against Resorts World in December over the casino’s persecution of him and fellow gambler Jim Russell.
His Instagram profile states, “I try every day to change the world for the better!” His account regularly features updates on the case of Owen Hanson, the subject of the Amazon documentary series Cocaine Quarterback.
Cipriani says his former girlfriend, Crista Velarde, who later married Hanson, was connected to the Sinaloa cartel. Hanson pleaded guilty to charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal gambling in 2015. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison, but was released in 2024 due to “extraordinary and compelling reasons.”
In an Instagram post last year, Cipriani accused Hanson of being a rat, stating, “Stop lying about everything that happened with your story including the reason you served 9 years instead of 21 years in U.S. and 25 years to life in Australia. You (rat emjois) on EVERYONE!
That’s why you’re out decades early. People aren’t dumb!”
Cipriani did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit against Paramount.
