Amazon MGM, 'Criminal' Showrunner Ed Brubaker Sued Over Hostile Work Environment

A legal battle is unfolding in Hollywood, casting a serious shadow over Amazon MGM Studios' highly anticipated crime drama 'Criminal' even before its premiere. A former production assistant on the series, Ijaaz Noohu, has initiated legal action against Amazon MGM Studios, Big Indie Pictures, and acclaimed showrunner Ed Brubaker, alleging a pattern of severe misconduct that created a hostile work environment. The lawsuit details claims of sexual and racial harassment, religious discrimination, assault, battery, and retaliation, highlighting a disturbing series of events on set.

Quick summary

• Former production assistant Ijaaz Noohu has filed a lawsuit against Amazon MGM Studios, Big Indie Pictures, and showrunner Ed Brubaker for alleged workplace misconduct on the 'Criminal' series set.
• The complaint details accusations of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, religious discrimination, assault, and battery, including an alleged incident where Brubaker pointed and fired a working firearm at Noohu's face.
• Noohu, a Sri Lankan American filmmaker, claims he was subjected to demeaning stereotypes, inappropriate comments, and questions about his religious and political affiliations.
• The lawsuit further alleges that Noohu faced retaliation, including an accelerated exit and being barred from the set, after attempting to challenge the reported misconduct.

Why it matters

This lawsuit against a major studio and a prominent showrunner sends a ripple through the entertainment industry, underscoring persistent challenges in maintaining safe and equitable workplace environments. For Amazon MGM Studios, a company actively expanding its original content slate, these allegations pose a significant reputational risk, potentially impacting public perception of its productions and internal corporate culture. It places a critical spotlight on the responsibility of studios to oversee not only their direct employees but also the conduct of creative partners and third-party production companies.

Beyond the immediate parties, the claims, particularly those involving alleged firearm misuse on a production set, raise serious concerns about on-set safety protocols and the accountability of individuals in positions of authority. The entertainment industry, still navigating the complexities of workplace conduct in the post-#MeToo era, is once again confronted with questions about how complaints are handled, whether senior staff enable or ignore problematic behavior, and the true efficacy of existing mechanisms designed to protect vulnerable crew members.

For aspiring filmmakers and production staff, these events highlight the potential vulnerabilities within hierarchical production structures and the imperative for robust support systems. The outcome of this case could influence how future productions manage talent, enforce codes of conduct, and ensure a genuinely inclusive environment for all individuals contributing to a project, from the top brass to entry-level assistants.

Background

The series 'Criminal' is based on the critically acclaimed comic book universe created by Ed Brubaker, an Eisner Award-winning writer renowned for his dark, gritty crime narratives across titles for Marvel, DC, and independent publishers. While Brubaker has contributed to television projects like 'Westworld' and 'Too Old to Die Young,' 'Criminal' marks his debut as a showrunner, a role that signifies ultimate creative and managerial authority over a series. Amazon MGM Studios formally ordered the series in 2024, signaling a significant investment in adapting Brubaker's distinctive vision to a major streaming platform.

Ijaaz Noohu was hired as a production assistant for 'Criminal' in February 2023 by Big Indie Pictures, a production company with a track record of acclaimed films and series. Production assistants often represent the entry point into the film and television industry, serving crucial support roles that expose them to various aspects of a set's operations. These positions, while vital, can also place individuals in vulnerable positions within a production's hierarchy.

The lawsuit details a timeline of alleged misconduct beginning shortly after Noohu's hiring. The entertainment industry has, in recent years, faced increased scrutiny over workplace conditions, particularly concerning harassment and discrimination. High-profile cases and movements have prompted many studios to revise their policies and emphasize safer environments, making these new allegations against Amazon MGM and its partners particularly resonant at a time when transparency and accountability are paramount.

Qnews24h insight

This lawsuit against the 'Criminal' production team and Amazon MGM Studios illuminates the complex and often precarious balance between creative freedom and workplace responsibility within Hollywood. While showrunners like Ed Brubaker are granted significant autonomy to bring their artistic visions to life, this authority must operate within the strict boundaries of professional conduct and legal compliance. The allegations of a senior producer witnessing and actively attempting to suppress documentation of complaints, specifically naming executive producer Phillip Barnett, suggest a potential breakdown in the organizational safeguards meant to protect staff.

The claim involving a functional firearm on set, allegedly pointed and discharged at an employee's face by a showrunner, if proven, represents an egregious breach of safety protocols and professional decorum. It transcends typical harassment claims, entering the realm of direct physical threat, which is a rare and disturbing escalation. This incident, alongside the broader pattern of alleged sexual, racial, and religious harassment, paints a picture of an environment where a culture of impunity may have taken root, undermining the very principles of respect and safety that studios increasingly claim to uphold.

For Amazon MGM, the challenge lies in demonstrating that its oversight mechanisms are robust enough to prevent such alleged misconduct, especially when dealing with third-party production companies and acclaimed talent. The lawsuit implicitly asks whether the pursuit of high-profile content outweighs the fundamental duty of care towards all individuals involved in its creation. The industry's response to these claims will be closely watched, serving as a critical indicator of whether recent commitments to fostering inclusive and safe workplaces are genuinely translating into tangible change on set.

Sources

• 'Criminal' Showrunner Ed Brubaker, Amazon MGM Sued for Harassment - hollywoodreporter.com

FAQ

What is the 'Criminal' series and who is Ed Brubaker?

'Criminal' is an upcoming crime drama series ordered by Amazon MGM Studios, based on the critically acclaimed comic book universe created by Ed Brubaker. Ed Brubaker is an award-winning comic book writer known for his work on various Marvel, DC, and independent titles, often specializing in the crime genre. The 'Criminal' series marks his first venture as a showrunner.

What are the main allegations made in the lawsuit?

The lawsuit filed by former production assistant Ijaaz Noohu against Amazon MGM Studios, Big Indie Pictures, and Ed Brubaker alleges a hostile work environment. Specific claims include sexual harassment (unwanted comments and touching), racial and religious discrimination (demeaning stereotypes, questions about political/religious affiliations), assault and battery (including an alleged incident where Brubaker pointed and fired a working firearm at Noohu's face), and retaliation after Noohu challenged the alleged misconduct.

What is the role of Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures in this lawsuit?

Amazon MGM Studios is being sued as the primary studio behind the 'Criminal' series, accused of failing to investigate and address the alleged harassment and discrimination despite it reportedly occurring 'in plain view.' Big Indie Pictures, the production company that hired Noohu, is also named in the lawsuit under similar allegations of failing to intervene and allowing the hostile environment to persist. Both entities are faulted for allegedly not taking appropriate action to protect their employee.

What kind of damages is the plaintiff seeking?

The plaintiff, Ijaaz Noohu, is seeking unspecified damages through the lawsuit, which was filed in California state court. The legal action covers claims for sexual and racial harassment, religious discrimination, assault, and battery, among others.