Settlement Reached in Ninn Worx_SR Legal Battle

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The legal battle pitting director Michael Ninn against Spearmint Rhino CEO John Gray and Ninn Worx_SR apparently has been settled.

Ninn, through his publicist on Monday, wouldn't comment on terms of the compromise to XBIZ, but a proposed settlement has been in the works since early October.

The trustee assigned to Ninn, whose Chapter 7 filing continues to wend through bankruptcy court, disclosed that Ninn will transfer equity of Ninn Worx_SR in return for various creative material once created by Ninn.

Specific details of the settlement weren't immediately available, but presumably the "creative material" includes the Ninn Worx_SR-backed movie "The Four."

Ninn Worx_SR was formed three years ago after Gray approached Ninn, who has directed more than 60 adult films in 18 years, with an offer to market and distribute Ninn’s films and finance production of future films, allegedly promising to grow the company from a $2 million studio to one that would see in excess of $20 million in sales.

Ninn sold his interest in Ninn Worx for $1,000 and a 49-percent share of the new company. In addition, Ninn Worx_SR paid off Ninn Worx accounts payable of about $221,000.

But a year later and shortly after a Ninn-directed movie called "The Four" wrapped, Ninn found himself locked out of his office, fired as Ninn Worx_SR CEO and unable to get Ninn Worx_SR to compensate him.

Gray and Ninn Worx_SR later filed a suit at Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that Ninn had breached his fiduciary duty by exceeding a budget relative to “The Four” and by not delivering a completed film.

Ninn later sued and countersued, alleging fraud, misrepresentation, rescission of an agreement and breach of fiduciary duty.

Ninn also was sued by Ninn Worx_SR over the use of his stage name and related Internet properties. In that suit, Ninn Worx_SR claimed Ninn began competing against the company, advertising the “Michael Ninn” mark and variations for competing products.

Gray declined to comment on the settlement to XBIZ on Tuesday.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Aaliyah Hadid Makes Her Comeback With Ricky's Room

Aaliyah Hadid has returned to adult after a years-long hiatus, alongside Damion Dayski in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "Throat Goat Love Maker."

Willow Ryder Toplines 'Hardcore Bombshells 3' From HardX

Willow Ryder headlines the latest release from XEmpire studio brand HardX, titled “Hardcore Bombshells 3.”

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for November, December

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of November and December from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Professor Fired Over Adult Content Sues U Wisconsin

Veteran communications professor Joe Gow this week filed a civil lawsuit against the University of Wisconsin board of regents for violating his First Amendment rights by firing him for creating and appearing in adult content.

Teasy Agency Launches 'WannaCollab' Networking Platform

Teasy Agency launched a new networking platform, WannaCollab, at the X3 Expo earlier this month.

Milena Ray Stars in Latest From Immoral Productions

Milena Ray performs her first DP in a new trilogy for Immoral Productions, alongside Matt Bird and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Ofcom to Hold Online Sessions on OSA Compliance

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom will hold an online conference Feb. 3-5, titled “The Online Safety Act Explained: How to Comply,” explaining new duties and deadlines required of adult businesses to implement age assurance under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

Leilani Li, Lola Morena Star in Latest From TransAngels

Leilani Li and Lola Morena star in the first installment of “Double Timing Besties,” the upcoming three-part limited series from TransAngels.

Cyndi Sinclair Toplines 'Granny Lovers' From GILFED

Cyndi Sinclair headlines "Granny Lovers," from Mile High Media studio brand GILFED.

Kylie LeBeau Stars in Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Kylie LeBeau stars with Bryan Gozzling in the latest release from Hookup Hotshot.

Show More