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

Former IEAU Officer Sentenced to 4 Months

Amanda Gullesserian, who performed in the industry under the name Phyllisha Anne and founded the now-defunct International Entertainment Adult Union (IEAU), has been sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for making a false statement in an IEAU federal financial report.

Sky Wonderland, Melody Marks Front Latest From Blacked Raw

Sky Wonderland and Melody Marks star with Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

2026 XBIZ LA Conference Schedule Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full show schedule for the XBIZ 2026 conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Needemand Joins ASACP as Corporate Sponsor

French startup company Needemand has signed on as the latest corporate sponsor for Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).

Grooby Kicks Off 30th Anniversary With Aubrey Kate Return

Two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Aubrey Kate returns to Grooby for the first time since 2017, starring alongside Chris Epic to mark the commencement of the studio’s 30th anniversary year.

Octavia Red Stars in 'No Need for Men' From Futanari XXX

Octavia Red stars with Ava Amira in “No Need for Men Pt. 1,” from Futanari XXX, directed by studio honcho Romero.

Sofie Marie Fronts Latest From MYLF

Sofie Marie stars with Gunnar Bishop in the latest release from MYLF.

Penny Barber Stars in Latest Episode of 'Mommy's Boy'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Emma Rosie and Axel Haze in the latest episode of Adult Time series “Mommy’s Boy,” titled “A Family That Nudes Together, Stays Together.”

Utah State Legislator Proposes New 'Porn Tax'

A Utah state senator introduced a bill on Monday that would impose a 7% tax on the gross receipts of adult websites doing business in that state, plus require adult sites to pay an annual $500 fee.

'Fan Fav' XMA Award Categories to Be Presented at X3 Expo

In a move sure to electrify fans and creators alike, fan passion will take center stage Saturday, Jan. 17, when the winners of the 2026 XMA Fan Favorite categories are revealed, transforming the closing night of X3 Expo into the event’s most buzzworthy moment.

Show More