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

Zariah Aura, Rebel Rhyder Lead Latest From Evil Angel

Zariah Aura and Rebel Rhyder star in the latest release from Evil Angel, directed by multi-XMAs winner Aiden Starr.

2026 XBIZ Miami Speaker, Open-Floor Conversation Guide Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 11-14 at the Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach.

Bad Bella Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Bad Bella stars with Alex Legend in the latest release from New Sensations.

Domino Presley, Chris Epic Front New Release from Grooby

Domino Presley and Chris Epic star in the latest release from Grooby Girls, titled “Cleaning the Pipes.”

McKenzie Mae Leads Latest From Family Strokes

McKenzie Mae stars with Joshua Lewis in the latest release from Family Strokes.

Dorcel Drops Franck Vicomte's 'Raw Sex Only'

Dorcel has released director Franck Vicomte's latest feature, "Raw Sex Only."

Cory Chase, Isa Bella Front Latest From Bellesa Plus

Cory Chase and Isa Bella star in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Mother’s Day.”

Pervz to Debut New Limited Series 'Power Corrupts'

Pervz has announced the launch of its new six-scene limited series, "Power Corrupts."

Sandra Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Sandra stars with her husband Ivan and Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Gia Palomino Makes Adult Debut in Angelo Godshack's 'Rough Love 6'

Gia Palomino makes her adult debut and headlines Angelo Godshack’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Rough Love 6.”

Show More