Ed Brubaker, the showrunner behind the upcoming Prime Video series Criminal, faces allegations of sexual and racial harassment from a production assistant in a lawsuit filed in California. Ijaaz Noobu, a Sri Lankan American filmmaker with fourteen years of industry experience, filed the complaint naming Brubaker, Amazon Studios, and MGM as defendants. The suit alleges sustained harassment based on sex, race, national origin, and religion.
Brubaker built his reputation as a celebrated comic book writer and television producer. He previously developed acclaimed series like Gotham Central and served as showrunner on projects that drew critical respect within the industry. His involvement with Criminal positioned the project as a significant addition to Prime Video's scripted slate, given his track record in crime storytelling and character work.
The allegations introduce serious complications for the production's timeline and momentum. Criminal was in development as part of Amazon's ongoing effort to build original drama content that competes with established prestige television. The show's status now depends on how production navigates both the legal process and the potential reputational fallout from the public allegations.
Noobu's complaint specifically details what he characterizes as sustained harassment during his work on the production. By naming both Amazon Studios and MGM, the lawsuit implicates the studio infrastructure responsible for workplace oversight and safety protocols. These are the entities tasked with enforcing workplace standards and protecting crew members from harassment, discrimination, and hostile work environments.
The case arrives during a period when the entertainment industry faces renewed pressure around workplace conduct. Following years of #MeToo revelations and subsequent investigations into production cultures, studios have implemented reporting mechanisms and third-party oversight. Yet allegations continue to emerge, suggesting implementation gaps between policy and practice on sets and in production offices.
For Prime Video specifically, the lawsuit represents another challenge to its reputation as a workplace. Amazon has positioned itself as committed to diverse hiring and inclusive production environments. Criminal's development under these circumstances tests whether those commitments translate into enforced accountability.
Brubaker has not publicly responded to the allegations. The entertainment community typically exercises caution in commenting on pending litigation, though industry observers will track whether other colleagues or collaborators issue statements.
The case also raises questions about Criminal's future. Productions have faced shutdowns or significant delays following serious allegations against key creative figures. Some have recast or restructured leadership. Others have suspended indefinitely. Prime Video and MGM will likely consult with legal counsel before determining next steps for the project's development and production schedule.
For production assistants and entry-level crew members across the industry, the complaint reinforces the importance of formal documentation and external legal representation. Many PAs work contract positions with limited job security, making them vulnerable to exploitation or dismissal if they raise concerns internally. Noobu's decision to pursue litigation sets a precedent that such cases can proceed through the courts despite the power imbalances inherent in film and television production hierarchies.
The lawsuit transforms Criminal from a programming asset into an active legal matter. How Amazon, MGM, and Brubaker respond will influence both the immediate status of the show and the broader conversation about accountability in television production.