Production Assistant Sues ‘Criminal’ Showrunner Ed Brubaker Over Alleged Harassment

A former production assistant has filed a lawsuit accusing “Criminal” showrunner Ed Brubaker and associated studios of creating a hostile work environment marked by racial and sexual harassment.

Ijaaz Noohu is seeking unspecified damages from Brubaker, Amazon MGM Studios, and Big Indie Pictures. The complaint cites religious discrimination, assault, battery, and other allegations stemming from Noohu’s time on the set of the upcoming comic book crime drama.

According to the filing, one incident witnessed by a senior producer involved Brubaker pointing a live firearm at Noohu’s face and pulling the trigger. Noohu, who was born in Sri Lanka and raised in Los Angeles, stated he was hired by Big Indie Pictures in February 2023.

Noohu alleges that Brubaker subjected him to “repeated and pervasive” sexual harassment. The suit claims the showrunner made comments about running his hands through Noohu’s hair, joked about rape, and inappropriately touched his back.

Racial and religious discrimination is also central to the lawsuit. Noohu claims Brubaker relied on demeaning stereotypes regarding curry and mathematics, and frequently asked if he supported Hamas.

After Noohu reportedly challenged the alleged misconduct, he was banned from the set and ultimately omitted from the series’ credits. The show is expected to premiere before the end of 2026.

Executive producer Phillip Barnett is also named in the lawsuit. Noohu alleges that Barnett instructed staff to ignore complaints and refused to listen when misconduct was reported, allegedly saying, “Don’t say that in front of me” and “La, la, I’m not hearing that.”

Amazon MGM declined to comment, as did representatives for Brubaker and Big Indie Pictures.

Brubaker is a highly acclaimed comic book writer known for his work with Marvel and DC, as well as television credits including “Westworld,” “Too Old to Die Young,” and “Batman: Caped Crusader.” Big Indie Pictures is behind projects such as “A Complete Unknown” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”