The controversy centers on Ijaaz Noohu, a former production assistant on the set of Prime Video's 'Criminal', who filed a lawsuit in September, accusing Brubaker, executive producer Phillip Barnett, and others of a pattern of "sustained sexual, racial, national origin, and religious harassment." Noohu's complaint, detailed by Deadline, describes a workplace made "toxic and abusive" during his tenure from late 2023 to September 2024.

Among the most shocking claims is Noohu's assertion that Ed Brubaker, the acclaimed creator behind the 'Criminal' graphic novel series, pointed a "functional firearm at his face and pulled the trigger." This particular allegation has been met with a vehement denial from the defense.

In a recent demurrer filing, lawyers for Amazon MGM, Brubaker, and the other defendants did not mince words. They stated that while Noohu's allegations must be considered in the demurrer, the evidence will "ultimately and overwhelmingly demonstrate that he is an opportunist, not a victim, and that his claims are meritless." The defense specifically targeted the firearm incident, calling it "pure invention." They argued that in a post-'Rust' industry, such a serious event would have been immediately reported by everyone present, including Noohu himself, yet no such report was made until Noohu resurfaced with the story "demanding a payday."

The defendants also cast doubt on the timing of the lawsuit. They claim Noohu "sat on these supposed claims for twenty months" before filing suit "on the eve of the press circuit for Criminal." This, they suggest, is "the conduct of an opportunist timing his leverage, not a victim seeking redress."

'Criminal', based on Brubaker and Sean Phillips' celebrated graphic novels, was officially ordered to series by Prime Video in January 2024. The project boasts an impressive cast including Charlie Hunnam, Emilia Clarke, Luke Evans, Garrett Hedlund, and Richard Jenkins, though a launch date has yet to be announced. The series is a major upcoming title for Amazon, making the timing of this legal challenge particularly impactful.

An October 15 hearing is scheduled before L.A. Superior Court Judge William Fahey, where the court will consider the demurrer. This legal maneuver, where defendants acknowledge the basic facts for argument's sake but dispute the legal validity of the claims, indicates that Amazon MGM and its co-defendants are prepared to aggressively defend against Noohu's allegations.