‘Criminal’ Boss Ed Brubaker Faces Sexual and Racial Harassment Lawsuit Ahead of Amazon Series Premiere
Ed Brubaker has built a distinguished reputation over decades as one of comics’ most esteemed voices, contributing to some of Marvel and DC’s most iconic characters while also establishing a significant presence in prestige television. His work on titles like ‘Batman’, ‘Catwoman’, and ‘Captain America’, where he introduced the Winter Soldier, has solidified his status as a key figure behind the scenes of two of the industry’s largest franchises.
His reputation extended into his television writing credits on shows such as ‘Westworld’, ‘Too Old to Die Young’, and ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’, before Amazon MGM appointed him as showrunner for his first major project. ‘Criminal’, based on Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ acclaimed 2006 graphic novel series, was officially ordered as a series by Prime Video in January 2024, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Charlie Hunnam, Emilia Clarke, Luke Evans, Richard Jenkins, and John Hawkes.
However, this excitement has been overshadowed by serious legal issues. Ed Brubaker is facing a lawsuit from a former production assistant on ‘Criminal’, who accuses him of fostering a hostile and abusive work environment characterized by sexual and racial harassment, along with additional allegations of religious discrimination, assault, and battery.
The lawsuit, filed in California state court, was initiated by Ijaaz Noohu, a Sri Lankan American filmmaker who began working on the production in February 2023. The complaint alleges that Brubaker subjected Noohu to “repeated and pervasive” sexual harassment, including unsolicited comments about running his hands through Noohu’s hair, rubbing his back without consent, and making jokes about rape.
The complaint also recounts an incident where Brubaker allegedly directed Noohu to a “bikini barista” establishment as part of what was described as a cruel prank. Additionally, the lawsuit claims Brubaker subjected Noohu to derogatory ethnic stereotypes, making comments about curry, referencing the “Tiger Mom” trope and the show ‘Never Have I Ever’, and inaccurately labeling him “Indian” despite Noohu being Sri Lankan American.
Religious discrimination is also a significant aspect of the lawsuit, with Noohu being one of the few Muslim individuals on the ‘Criminal’ set. The filing alleges he was repeatedly questioned about his support for Hamas. One particularly alarming claim states that Brubaker allegedly pointed a working firearm at Noohu’s face and pulled the trigger, although the complaint does not provide further details about this incident.
The lawsuit extends beyond Brubaker, naming Amazon Services, MGM, Big Indie Pictures, Big Indie Gemini, and ‘Criminal’ executive producer Phillip Barnett as defendants. Barnett is specifically accused of enabling the alleged misconduct rather than addressing it, with claims that he directed others to avoid documenting complaints and was heard saying, “Don’t say that in front of me,” and “La la, I’m not hearing that.”
According to the filing, the corporate defendants failed to take adequate measures to prevent the alleged harassment, which reportedly occurred in plain view and was witnessed by multiple individuals, including senior producers. “The corporate Defendants, Amazon, MGM, Big Indie Pictures and Big Indie Gemini, Inc., failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the harassment despite the involvement of high-level supervisors and the presence of numerous witnesses, including senior producers,” the complaint states, as reported by Deadline.
The lawsuit also includes claims of retaliation, alleging that after Noohu requested a promotion, his exit date was moved up and he was barred from the set. Noohu is seeking a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages across twelve claims. Representatives for Amazon MGM and Brubaker did not respond to requests for comment regarding the legal action, and no premiere date has yet been announced for ‘Criminal’.
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