Production Assistant Alleges Firearm Incident and Harassment on 'Criminal' Set
A former production assistant on the upcoming series 'Criminal' has filed a lawsuit against Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures, alleging sexual and racial harassment, assault, and battery. The suit claims showrunner Ed Brubaker pointed a working firearm at the assistant's face and pulled the trigger. The assistant also says he faced demeaning stereotypes and retaliation after seeking a promotion.
The lawsuit was filed in California state court and names both Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures as defendants. Noohu, a Sri Lankan American filmmaker, alleges the misconduct spanned from his hiring in February 2023 until his employment ended in September 2024, noting he received no credit on the production. The complaint also claims executive producer Phillip Barnett directed others to avoid documenting complaints.
Brubaker, a celebrated comic book writer known for creating the Winter Soldier character and for acclaimed runs on Batman and Captain America, is serving as showrunner for the first time on Criminal. The series received a formal order from Amazon MGM Studios in 2024. Amazon MGM declined to comment, while Big Indie Pictures did not respond to requests for comment.
This lawsuit could signal heightened scrutiny of workplace conduct on high-profile streaming productions, particularly regarding how studios respond to complaints against powerful showrunners. If the allegations are substantiated, it may encourage other crew members to report misconduct and prompt studios to strengthen oversight of on-set behavior. The case could also affect Brubaker's reputation and future projects, while reminding industry professionals that creative acclaim does not exempt individuals from accountability standards.