A production assistant has filed a lawsuit against Ed Brubaker, alleging sexual and racial harassment on the set of Amazon's 'Criminal.'
A former production assistant has filed a lawsuit against Ed Brubaker, the showrunner of Amazon’s upcoming comic book series "Criminal," claiming a hostile work environment marked by allegations of sexual and racial harassment. The lawsuit was reported by Variety on September 4, 2026, and it cites multiple instances of misconduct purportedly occurring during the production of the series.
The production assistant, Ijaaz Noohu, alleges that he faced repeated harassment, including inappropriate comments and actions by Brubaker. Among the claims are allegations that Noohu was subjected to sexual advances, including mentions of running his hands through Noohu's hair, and comments joking about rape. Furthermore, Noohu describes experiences of racial discrimination, alleging that Brubaker parroted demeaning stereotypes and questioned Noohu’s allegiance regarding the terrorist organization Hamas.
Noohu is seeking unspecified damages from Brubaker, along with Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures. The lawsuit includes a grave incident in which Brubaker allegedly pointed a firearm at Noohu and pulled the trigger, an event reportedly witnessed by a senior producer.
Ijaaz Noohu joined the production team for "Criminal" in February 2023 and was eventually banned from the set after confronting alleged misconduct. Noohu claims he was not credited for his work on the series, which is expected to premiere at the end of 2026. The allegations in the lawsuit shed light on ongoing concerns about workplace culture in the entertainment industry and the responsibilities of production studios in addressing such claims.
The lawsuit implicates executive producer Phillip Barnett as well, who is accused of instructing staff not to document complaints related to harassment. This raises questions about the measures in place to support employees within production environments. Amazon MGM Studios has declined to comment on the lawsuit, and representatives for Brubaker and Big Indie Pictures have not provided responses to media inquiries.
Ed Brubaker is known as a prolific comic book writer, having worked for major publishers like Marvel and DC. He has earned acclaim for his narrative contributions across various media, including television credits for shows such as "Westworld" and "Batman: Caped Crusader." His status in the industry makes the allegations particularly shocking, as they align with larger discussions about accountability and ethics in Hollywood.
The lawsuit against Ed Brubaker could result in more rigorous scrutiny of workplace dynamics in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding talent interactions and employee treatment. As the case unfolds, it will likely highlight the need for clear protocols for addressing harassment allegations effectively and transparently within production environments.
While the impact of these allegations on both Brubaker's career and Amazon’s future projects remains to be seen, they underscore the vital importance of workplace safety and respect across the industry.
For ongoing developments, stay tuned to reliable sources as this legal situation progresses.
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