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

UPDATED: Court Approves Class Action in Labor Claims Against VMG

A U.S. district court has granted class certification in a civil lawsuit filed against Vixen Media Group (VMG) by retired performer Kenzie Anne, making it possible for additional performers to join in a class action against the company.

Pervz Drops Latest Installment of 'Polar Opposites'

Pervz has debuted the latest installment of the Reptyle cross-site release "Polar Opposites," starring McKenzie Mae, Emma Rosie, Demi Hawks, Coco Lovelock, and Danny Mountain.

Brazil Invites Public Input on Guidelines for New Digital Law

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) is soliciting public comments to help improve interpretation and application of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Jasmine Sherni, Blake Blossom Headline 'Dirty Talk' From Dorcel

Jasmine Sherni and Blake Blossom star in "Dirty Talk," the latest feature from Dorcel.

Scarlett Alexis, Vince Karter Front Latest From Bellesa Plus

Scarlett Alexis and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter star in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Obedience.”

Aleksa Mink Stars in Latest From HardX

Aleksa Mink stars with Isaiah Maxwell in the latest release from XEmpire studio brand HardX.

X3 Expo Unveils Euro All-Stars for Inaugural Amsterdam Edition

X3 Expo, Hollywood's premier adult entertainment expo, makes its European debut at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam Sept. 11-12, bringing together fans, creators, and industry insiders for the Continent’s largest assembly of adult entertainment stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

2026 Pornhub Awards Nominees Announced

The list of nominees has been revealed for the eighth annual Pornhub Awards, which will be held May 27 in Los Angeles.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for February, March

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters, by country, for February and March.

Andi Avalon, Madelyn May Front Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Madelyn May star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More