Ijaaz Noohu accuses Ed Brubaker and Amazon MGM of creating a hostile work environment, including serious harassment claims.
In a significant development in the entertainment industry, Ijaaz Noohu, a former production assistant, has filed a lawsuit against Ed Brubaker, the showrunner of the upcoming crime drama series Criminal, alongside Amazon MGM Studios. The lawsuit was filed on September 3, 2026, alleging a hostile work environment characterized by sexual and racial harassment, among other serious claims, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
According to the lawsuit, Noohu accuses Brubaker of a range of unacceptable behaviors, including sexual harassment involving inappropriate comments and unwelcome physical gestures. The complaint specifically highlights instances of Brubaker making remarks about Noohu’s appearance and ethnic background, creating an environment filled with “repeated and pervasive” harassment.
One alarming allegation claims that Brubaker pointed a functional firearm at Noohu's face and pulled the trigger during a specific incident, reportedly witnessed by a senior producer. This notion of a supervisor engaging in threatening behavior raises serious questions about workplace safety and accountability within the production team.
The legal action is comprehensive, with Noohu seeking unspecified damages. He claims to have faced not only sexual and racial harassment but also discrimination based on his religious background. The lawsuit points out that Brubaker directed derogatory comments and stereotypes towards Noohu in what is described as a culture of impunity on set.
Additionally, when Noohu sought a promotion, he alleges that his exit date was moved up in retaliation for challenging the alleged misconduct, culminating in his departure from the production in September 2024. Notably, Noohu claims he wasn’t credited for his work on Criminal.
The lawsuit has drawn attention to broader issues of workplace conduct within the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the treatment of junior staff. Both Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures, the production company involved, have not publicly commented on the lawsuit, with the latter failing to respond to inquiries for clarification.
Fahim Rahman, the attorney representing Noohu, emphasized that the behaviors described illustrate a significant failure in oversight and a breach of workplace safety norms within the production. He also noted that guidance allegedly given by other senior producers, advising staff to ignore complaints, highlights a troubling culture that tolerates misconduct.
Criminal, based on Brubaker’s acclaimed narrative universe of crime stories, received a formal series order from Amazon MGM Studios in 2024. This series marks a noteworthy venture for Brubaker, whose previous projects include critically acclaimed titles like Westworld.
The project is co-produced by Big Indie Pictures, a company with a history of distinguished storytelling. The project's connection with significant industry names adds to the severity of the allegations, making audience awareness of the challenges faced by those working behind the scenes even more critical.
The allegations against Brubaker have illuminated longstanding issues regarding workplace harassment and power dynamics in the entertainment sector. As audiences become more aware of the realities behind the glamor of production, discussions around ethical practices are likely to intensify.
The ongoing lawsuit against Ed Brubaker and Amazon MGM highlights critical issues within the industry concerning workplace safety and the ethical treatment of employees. With cultural scrutiny surrounding these matters more intense than ever, the outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for future productions and industry standards regarding harassment and discrimination.
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