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

Emma Rosie, Girthmasterr Front Latest From Brazzers

Emma Rosie stars with Brazzers exclusive Girthmasterr in the studio’s latest release, titled "Emma Wants to Meet the Masterr."

Lilly Bell Stars in New Sci-Fi Feature 'Prompt'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars in the new sci-fi feature “Prompt,” from Full Moon Features.

Miss Raquel Stars in Latest From MYLF

Miss Raquel stars with Nicky Rebel in the latest release from MYLF.

FSC 2026/2027 Board Members Announced

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the results of its 2026/2027 Board of Directors election.

Angel Youngs, Jason Luv Lead Latest From Blacked

Angel Youngs and Jason Luv star in the latest scene from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked.

Madison Ivy Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Madison Ivy stars with studio honcho Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Ricky's Room.

Briseida Myers Makes Her Immoral Debut

Briseida Myers has made her debut for Immoral Productions, alongside Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Sabien DeMonia Stars in New Threesome Scene From EnjoyX

2025 Euro XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Sabien DeMonia stars alongside Jesus Reyes and Little Maly in the latest scene from EnjoyX.

WIFEY Drops 1st Reunion Orgy Scene

Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY has dropped its first cast reunion orgy scene.

Report: AVS Group Beefs Up AV After $1.3 Million Fine

Adult content provider AVS Group has begun to institute robust age checks on some of its websites after U.K. media regulator Ofcom last week imposed a penalty of approximately $1.3 million for noncompliance with Online Safety Act regulations, the BBC is reporting.

Show More