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

Alexis Fawx Fronts Latest From Bellesa Plus

Multi-XMAs winner Alexis Fawx stars with Josh Rivers in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled "Show Me Yours, I’ll Show You Mine."

Amirah Adara Talks Roots, Ambition and the American Dream

Amirah Adara may be new to college football, but she's no stranger to scoring big. Fresh from attending her first Trojans game, the Budapest native shows off her newfound team spirit in a black USC tank top as she settles in at Sana’a Cafe in Los Angeles. It’s a taste of American life she’ll have more opportunities to enjoy with her work visa secured and a bevy of stateside projects ahead.

Vixen Media Group Extends Exclusive Contract, Brand Ambassadorship With Serenity Cox

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has renewed its exclusive contract with Serenity Cox and inked an extension of her brand ambassadorship of studio imprint WIFEY.

Hazel Heart Stars in Latest From Deeper

Hazel Heart stars with Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled "Midterm."

Pre-Nominations Now Open for 2027 TEAs

The pre-nomination period for the 2027 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) is now open.

Digital Playground Premieres Ricky Greenwood's Action Feature 'Crash and Burn'

Digital Playground has dropped the first installment of "Crash and Burn," an action crime feature from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood.

Valentina Nappi Featured in Season 2 Cast of 'The Traitors: Italy'

Multi-XMAs winner Valentina Nappi will be among the Faithful, as the veteran adult performer is part of the second season cast of "The Traitors: Italy" on Prime Video.

Dragon Fruit, Lexi Star Headline Latest Volume of Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs'

Dragon Fruit and Lexi Star topline the ninth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Roald Riepen Steps Down as CEO of IMC

Roald Riepen, CEO of International Media Company (IMC), is stepping down.

Chloe Amour Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Chloe Amour stars with Chocolate Rod and Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More