Whistleblower Claims Paramount President Jeff Shell Leaked Details of $7.7 Billion UFC Deal

Hollywood Reporter

by Gary Baum

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Whistleblower R.J. Cipriani has accused Paramount President Jeff Shell of leaking confidential details about the $7.7 billion media rights deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) nearly a month before its official announcement in August 2025. The allegations, which have been referred to the SEC and are under investigation by an outside law firm, claim that Shell disclosed specifics about the timing, cost, and structure of the agreement. This comes amid heightened scrutiny for Paramount, which recently intensified its politically charged bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, elbowing out Netflix in the process. Cipriani, a high-stakes gambler with a history of whistleblower claims, is reportedly in settlement negotiations with Shell over a separate dispute involving consultancy services. Both men were previously represented by Hollywood power lawyer Patricia Glaser, who dismissed the draft complaint as riddled with factual and legal errors. Shell was terminated from his role as NBCUniversal CEO in 2023 due to allegations of inappropriate conduct but later resurrected by Paramount owner David Ellison, who elevated him to his current position. The case takes place against a backdrop of significant corporate developments for Paramount, including its recent efforts to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and navigate the streaming wars. The allegations could have broader implications for media companies' deal-making processes and corporate governance, raising questions about transparency and accountability in high-stakes transactions.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/25/2026