Amazon MGM seeks to dismiss a harassment suit filed by a production assistant claiming serious misconduct.
Amazon MGM has officially filed a motion to dismiss a harassment and racial discrimination lawsuit brought by production assistant Ijaaz Noohu, who alleges serious misconduct by those involved in the upcoming series "Criminal." This legal action was reported by Variety on September 18, 2026.
In his lawsuit, Noohu claims to have experienced both racial and sexual harassment while working on the production. Among the allegations, he asserts that showrunner Ed Brubaker pointed a gun at him and pulled the trigger, an act Noohu describes as direct harassment. Moreover, he alleges that he was subjected to inappropriate comments and racial stereotypes during his tenure, including remarks regarding curry and questions about his support for Hamas.
Noohu's complaint includes specific instances, such as Brubaker allegedly rubbing his back and making suggestive comments about Noohu's hair. The lawsuit was filed nearly two weeks prior to Amazon's motion, which categorically denies Noohu's claims.
Amazon MGM's demurrer argues that Noohu’s claim of gun-related misconduct is a fabrication, labeling it as “pure invention.” Their legal team stated there are no records supporting any reports of such an incident, asserting that if such a serious act had occurred, it would have been reported. Furthermore, they characterize Noohu as “an opportunist, not a victim.”
The filing also highlights a series of emails from Noohu sent as far back as 2024, in which he expressed interest in a promotion and praised his working relationship with Brubaker. According to Amazon, these communications contradict his claims of harassment and distress, as they contain no mention of workplace issues during or after his employment.
This litigation arises in a climate where sexual harassment and workplace misconduct allegations are increasingly scrutinized in the entertainment industry. The allegations made by Noohu are particularly noteworthy given their serious nature and the high-profile context of the project, which is currently in development. The lawsuit's implications could affect not only the production of "Criminal" but also broader perceptions of workplace safety in the entertainment field.
An ongoing legal battle of this nature may pose risks to the reputation and timeline of the "Criminal" series, as public scrutiny often accompanies allegations of misconduct. Given the details shared in Noohu's complaint, both the audience and industry stakeholders may find the unfolding situation contentious. How Amazon responds, both legally and publicly, could also affect viewer sentiment and engagement with the series.
As Amazon seeks to have the suit dismissed, the next steps in this legal process will depend on the court's ruling regarding the demurrer. This dismissal motion plays a critical role in determining whether Noohu's allegations will further develop in a court setting or be quashed.
The outcomes of such legal proceedings can set precedents for how similar cases might be handled in the future.
For more updates on entertainment industry controversies, check out our recent articles on Drunk Shakespeare's lawsuit against Amazon and Nicole Wallace's upcoming role in Amazon MGM’s ‘Throttled’.
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