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Former production assistant sues Amazon MGM and showrunner Ed Brubaker alleging hostile work environment

A lawsuit claims showrunner Ed Brubaker engaged in harassment, discrimination, and aimed a firearm at a crew member on the set of the upcoming series Criminal.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 23:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Former production assistant Ijaaz Noohu filed a California lawsuit against Amazon MGM Studios, Big Indie Pictures, and showrunner Ed Brubaker alleging harassment, discrimination, assault, and battery.
  • The complaint accuses Brubaker of pervasive racial and sexual misconduct, including an incident where he allegedly pointed an operational firearm at Noohu's face and pulled the trigger.
  • Producers allegedly ignored complaints and retaliated against Noohu, leading to his exclusion from the set and termination in September 2024.
  • The defendants have not yet formally answered in court; Amazon MGM declined to comment, while Brubaker and Big Indie did not respond to requests for comment.

Key facts

  • Ijaaz Noohu filed a lawsuit in California state court seeking unspecified damages against Amazon MGM Studios, Big Indie Pictures, and showrunner Ed Brubaker.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • The lawsuit alleges causes of action including sexual and racial harassment, religious discrimination, assault, and battery occurring during the production of the series Criminal.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • According to the complaint, Brubaker aimed a working firearm at Noohu's face and pulled the trigger in front of a senior producer who took no action.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Noohu claims he faced derogatory stereotypes based on his Sri Lankan American heritage, repeated questioning about support for Hamas, and inappropriate physical contact and remarks.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • The complaint claims executive producer Phillip Barnett and management instructed staff not to document complaints and failed to investigate the allegations.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Noohu alleges his employment ended in September 2024 without production credits after being barred from the set in retaliation for complaining.[The Hollywood Reporter]

What remains uncertain

  • The full context and technical details of the alleged firearm incident remain unspecified in the initial court filing.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Ed Brubaker and Big Indie Pictures have not yet publicly responded to the allegations, and Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Sources