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

Eva Maxim, Foxxy Lead Latest From TransAngels

Eva Maxim and Foxxy star with Dakota Wonders in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Shared Secrets."

European Commission: Age Verification App Ready For Use

The European Commission’s age verification app is now technically ready and will soon be available for EU citizens to use in order to prove their age when accessing online platforms, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday.

Lexi Lore Toplines 'Lesson Plans' From Sweet Sinner

Lexi Lore headlines “Lesson Plans,” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Private Premieres Biker Feature 'Two on the Road'

Private has released its new biker feature, “Two on the Road,” starring Alice Ross and Nata Gold.

Gray Perrier, Destiny Mira Star in New Transfixed Release

Gray Perrier and Destiny Mira star in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "A Surprising Silver Lining."

UK House of Commons Moves to Tone Down Porn Amendments

The House of Commons has modified amendments to the U.K.’s pending Crime and Policing Bill, including provisions regulating “step” content, content featuring adults role-playing as minors, and performers’ ability to withdraw consent.

AEBN Reveals Ariel Demure as Top Trans Star for Q1 of 2026

AEBN has named its top trans stars for the first quarter of 2026, with Ariel Demure landing atop the leaderboard.

Final IRS 'No Tax on Tips' Rule Excludes Pornography

The Internal Revenue Service on Monday published final regulations on the “No Tax on Tips” provision included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” offering new tax deductions for tip workers but excluding revenue received for “pornographic activity.”

Lauren Phillips Fronts Latest From MYLF

2024 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Lauren Phillips stars with Mighty Dee and Troy Francisco in the latest release from the MYLF series “MYLF Singles.”

Andie Anderson, Angie Faith Lead Latest From MILFY

Andie Anderson and Angie Faith star with Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY.

Show More