Former Production Assistant Sues Amazon MGM and Ed Brubaker Over Alleged Hostile Work Environment
A former production assistant on the highly anticipated crime drama series Criminal has filed a sweeping lawsuit against Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures, alleging a pattern of severe misconduct, harassment, and workplace negligence orchestrated by showrunner Ed Brubaker.
The plaintiff, Ijaaz Noohu, a Sri Lankan American filmmaker, alleges in a complaint filed Wednesday in California state court that he was subjected to persistent sexual and racial harassment, religious discrimination, and physical assault during his tenure on the production. Noohu is seeking unspecified damages, citing a toxic culture of impunity that he claims was enabled by the production’s leadership.
Alarming Allegations of Violence
Perhaps the most harrowing claim in the lawsuit involves an incident in which Brubaker allegedly pointed a functional firearm at Noohu’s face and pulled the trigger. According to the filing, the incident was witnessed by a senior producer on set, who reportedly chose to ignore the act entirely.
“That a supervisor with authority over the entire production would commit such an act—and that it would go unchecked—illustrates the culture of impunity that pervaded the Criminal production,” wrote Fahim Rahman, the attorney representing Noohu.
Harassment and Discriminatory Conduct
Noohu’s complaint details a disturbing timeline of abuse beginning shortly after he was hired by Big Indie Pictures in February 2023. The lawsuit alleges that Brubaker engaged in “repeated and pervasive” sexual harassment, which included unwanted physical contact, such as rubbing Noohu’s back and making inappropriate comments about running his fingers through Noohu’s hair, as well as offensive jokes regarding sexual assault.
The litigation also highlights a pattern of racial and religious discrimination. Noohu alleges that Brubaker directed demeaning, stereotypical comments at him regarding his heritage, including remarks about curry, references to the “Tiger Mom” trope, and assumptions about his mathematical abilities based on his ethnicity. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims Noohu was frequently subjected to aggressive questioning regarding his political views, including being repeatedly asked if he supports Hamas.
A Culture of Silence
The lawsuit levels serious accusations against the production’s management, asserting that the harassment occurred in plain view and was witnessed by several senior staff members. The complaint specifically names executive producer Phillip Barnett, alleging that he actively discouraged staff from documenting complaints. According to the filing, Barnett would frequently respond to reports of misconduct by saying, “Don’t say that in front of me,” or, “La la, I’m not hearing that.”
Noohu alleges that when he sought a promotion, he faced swift retaliation: his exit date was moved up, and he was ultimately barred from the set. His employment was terminated in September 2024, and he was denied credit for his work on the series.
The Stakes for Amazon MGM
This legal challenge puts a spotlight on Criminal, the first series where the celebrated comic book writer Ed Brubaker—known for creating the Winter Soldier and his work on Batman and Captain America—has served as a showrunner. The series was given a formal order by Amazon MGM Studios in 2024.
As news of the lawsuit breaks, both Amazon MGM and Big Indie Pictures face intense scrutiny regarding their internal oversight and commitment to workplace safety. Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment on the pending litigation, and Big Indie Pictures has not yet responded to requests for comment. Ed Brubaker also did not provide a statement.
