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 © 2026 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

Armani Black to Star in Latest From Bellesa Plus

Armani Black stars in the latest installment of the Bellesa Plus reality series “The Bellesa Challenge.”

Ofcom Fines XGroovy $986,000 for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Thursday imposed a fine of 700,000 pounds (about $986,000) against adult website XGroovy for failing to comply with provisions of the Online Safety Act.

Millie Morgan Leads Latest From MILFY

Millie Morgan stars with Sky Wonderland and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, titled “Sexy MILF Teaches Younger Hottie to Take Control.”

Anissa Kate Fronts Latest From MILFY

Anissa Kate stars with Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY.

Suki Sin Stars in Latest From Family Strokes

Suki Sin stars with Rion King in the latest release from the Family Strokes series "PervMom."

Digital Playground Premieres Ricky Greenwood's Action Feature 'The Tribunal'

Digital Playground has dropped “The Tribunal,” a futuristic, dystopian action film from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood.

Segpay Opens New Global Headquarters in Boca Raton

Segpay has selected Boca Raton for its new global headquarters.

X3 Euro All-Stars Paint Amsterdam Red in Billboard Campaign

The X3 Expo Euro All-Stars are making a splash on the vibrant streets of Amsterdam as the creator-first fan event prepares to make its debut on the continent.

Kendra Sunderland, Alina Lopez Lead Latest From Vixen

Kendra Sunderland and Alina Lopez star with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the second installment of the Vixen showcase series “The Angel Anthology.”

Tiny Secret Games Taps Pauline Schmiechen for Growth and Partnerships Advisor

Adult game studio Tiny Secret Games has named Pauline Schmiechen as its new growth and partnerships advisor.

Show More