Larry Ellison and President Trump drawn into Jeff Shell legal mess

Pro gambler RJ Cipriani alleges in an amended complaint that Paramount president Jeff Shell told him about the studio’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery and relayed a personal assurance from President Donald Trump to Larry Ellison. The filing quotes Shell’s verbatim account of a “direct personal assurance” and says Trump told Ellison, “Larry, it looks like Netflix is gonna get Warner Bros., but if you really really want it, Larry, I’ll make sure you get it.” Cipriani has added Larry and David Ellison, RedBird CEO Gerry Cardinale and most of the Paramount board to his $150 million suit.

Documents in the case say Cipriani was offered seven figures to release claims against Shell, Paramount Skydance and RedBird; the settlement offer was dated Feb. 28 and was signed by attorney Patricia Glaser shortly after she stopped representing Shell. Paramount Skydance called the lawsuit frivolous and said there is no factual or legal basis for any claim against the company, its directors or major shareholders.

United States

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