All posts tagged: Shells

The Gambler at the Center of Jeff Shell’s Paramount Departure Swears He’s Not Taking a Victory Lap

The Gambler at the Center of Jeff Shell’s Paramount Departure Swears He’s Not Taking a Victory Lap

Published by Sam Flores

“Listen, I’m sorry for saying to go fuck yourself.” It was a rare expression of remorse from R.J. Cipriani, who was otherwise thumping his chest in the aftermath of the news on Wednesday that Jeff Shell is stepping down as president of Paramount Skydance. Over the course of the last month, the high-stakes gambler and self-styled corporate whistleblower had been waging legal battle with the studio executive, and Paramount’s announcement that Shell “had elected to transition from” his position “to focus on this lawsuit” looked like a kind of vindication. “Most people that underestimate me have to find out very soon after that my information is bulletproof,” Cipriani tells me. “My intel is beyond reproach. And more importantly, I fear no one and nothing.” In recent weeks, I had gotten used to such tough talk from Cipriani, who catapulted from fringe entertainment-industry figure to ostensible Hollywood force, with his lawsuit alleging that Shell had leaked confidential Paramount information to him. (Cipriani also claims that he provided crisis communications services to Shell in exchange for Shell …

How ties with Vegas gambler could topple Jeff Shell’s career

How ties with Vegas gambler could topple Jeff Shell’s career

Published by Sam Flores

It’s a mystery that has transfixed Hollywood: How did Jeff Shell, who is seven months into his tenure as president of Paramount Skydance, get entangled with a professional gambler with a penchant for controversy? Shell looked to be on his way to a high-profile comeback after losing his job as NBCUniversal chief executive three years ago over an inappropriate relationship with an underling. Now he’s facing new scrutiny after his Paramount bosses hired a law firm to investigate his surreptitious dealings with a Las Vegas high-roller and self-styled “fixer.” Investigators are reviewing whether Shell leaked sensitive corporate secrets, according to two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment. The real-life drama features accusations of betrayal, vengeance and an alleged promise of a TV show deal. Paramount declined to comment. An attorney for Shell also declined to comment, citing the ongoing review. How this plays out for Shell remains to be seen, but the ongoing tempest has created a headache for Paramount’s leaders, coming just as David Ellison’s company was clinching its …

Paramount Enlists Ellison Advisor to Handle Jeff Shell’s Legal Drama

Paramount Enlists Ellison Advisor to Handle Jeff Shell’s Legal Drama

Published by Daniella Wilson

A legal fight is taking shape between Paramount and the high-stakes gambler who sparked an internal investigation and SEC inquiry into whether company president Jeff Shell prematurely disclosed details of a $7.7 billion UFC media rights deal. At the heart of the matter: An allegation that the studio and Shell reneged on an agreement to pick up an English-language format of a Roku reality show the gambler, R.J. Cipriani, co-created and exec produced. A lawsuit hasn’t been filed, though Paramount is lawyering up. Blair Connelly, a longtime, do-it-all outside advisor to David Ellison, has stepped in after Cipriani presented the company with a lawsuit advancing breach of oral contract and fraudulent misrepresentation claims, among others, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Paramount chief legal officer Makan Delrahim was previously a partner at Connelly’s firm, Latham & Watkins. The litigation threat has imperiled Shell’s return to the C-suite following his termination from his prior role as NBCUniversal CEO in 2023 due to allegations of sexual misconduct with a CNBC correspondent. Ellison brought him over from an interim …

Best Tested Ski Clothes (2026): Shells, Jackets, Wool Socks

Best Tested Ski Clothes (2026): Shells, Jackets, Wool Socks

Published by skeptic

Honorable Mentions During the winter, a whole WIRED crew tests ski clothes almost constantly. Here are a few other items that we like. Courtesy of REI Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Gloves for $190: I’ve long admired Hestra gloves from across the lift line, impressed by the Swedish company’s elegant stitchwork and thoughtful design touches. This was the year I finally got to try a pair for myself, and the Fall Line are exactly what they look like. There are six sizes available so you can get the perfect fit in this glove. The cowhide is buttery smooth and has already broken in a bit with five days’ use. The wrist strap means you never have to fret about dropping your glove from the lift when checking your phone, and they’re very warm without making me sweat. If you do sweat, the lining is removable so you can wash it without damaging the leather. —Martin Cizmar Courtesy of Crab Grab Crab Grab Snuggler Mitts for $89: These mini sleeping bags for your fingers are packed full …