A former production assistant on Amazon’s upcoming comic book crime drama “Criminal” has filed a lawsuit against the showrunner and studios involved, alleging a hostile work environment that included racial and sexual harassment.
The production assistant, Ijaaz Noohu, is seeking unspecified damages from showrunner Ed Brubaker, Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures, citing religious discrimination, assault, battery and other claims that allegedly took place on set. In one incident allegedly witnessed by a senior producer, Brubaker pointed a functional firearm at Noohu’s face and pulled the trigger. (No additional detail about the event was provided in the suit.)
Amazon MGM declined to comment. Representatives for Brubaker and Big Indie Pictures did not respond to Variety’s request for comment.
Noohu was hired to work on “Criminal” in February 2023 by Big Indie, a production company behind “A Complete Unknown” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” According to the lawsuit, he was soon subjected to “repeated and pervasive” sexual harassment by his boss, the acclaimed comic book writer Brubaker, who allegedly made comments about running his hands through Noohu’s hair, joked about rape and rubbed Noohu’s back.
Noohu, who was born in Sri Lanka but raised in Los Angeles, claims Brubaker also parroted “demeaning stereotypes” about curry and made jokes about his presumed aptitude for math. Per the suit, Noohu was also frequently asked if he supports the terrorist organization Hamas.
According to the suit, Noohu was eventually banned from the set of “Criminal” for challenging the alleged misconduct. He was ultimately not credited on the series, which is said to arrive before the end of 2026.
Also named in the lawsuit is executive producer Phillip Barnett, who allegedly directed other staffers to avoid documenting complaints and, when provided examples of misconduct, said things to the effect of, “Don’t say that in front of me,” and “La, la, I’m not hearing that.”
Brubaker has written for Marvel and DC and is one of the most acclaimed comic book writers working today. His television credits include “Westworld,” “Too Old to Die Young” and “Batman: Caped Crusader.”