Entertainment

Amazon calls gun claim 'pure invention' in bid to dismiss Criminal lawsuit

Putri ArdhanaPublished 7h ago3 min readBased on 4 sources
Amazon calls gun claim 'pure invention' in bid to dismiss Criminal lawsuit
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Amazon MGM Studios has asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Ijaaz Noohu, a production assistant on its upcoming series Criminal. In the filing, the studio called his claim that showrunner Ed Brubaker pointed a gun at him "pure invention," according to Variety.

The filing is a demurrer, meaning a formal request for a judge to throw out a complaint. Amazon MGM filed it in response to Noohu's suit, which names Brubaker, Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures as defendants and seeks unspecified damages, Yahoo reported.

Noohu's lawsuit alleges racial and sexual harassment during his time on the show. He accused Brubaker of rubbing his back and making comments about running his hands through Noohu's hair. The complaint also includes a claim for religious discrimination, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Other allegations concern comments about race and background. Noohu alleged he was asked whether he supports Hamas. He also alleged he was subjected to stereotypes about curry, mathematical ability and "Tiger Moms."

The most serious allegation concerns a firearm. Noohu alleged Brubaker pointed a functional firearm at him and pulled the trigger. An earlier report on the complaint said a senior producer allegedly witnessed that incident, according to Variety.

Amazon MGM disputes that account. It stated in its demurrer that it has no record of any report of the firearm incident. The filing described Noohu as "an opportunist, not a victim."

The studio also pointed to his conduct during production. Its lawyers stated Noohu never raised a complaint of harassment or discrimination while working on the show. In 2024, Noohu sent an email pitching himself for promotion to executive producer of Criminal, saying it would "make the show better."

Amazon alleged Noohu waited nearly two years to raise the allegations until the start of Criminal's press tour to gain leverage. The studio has asked the court to dismiss the case on those grounds. No ruling has been reported.

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