‘The Rip’ Director Joe Carnahan Sued for Sexual Battery by Ex-Partner

Hollywood director Joe Carnahan, known for films like The A-Team, The Grey, and The Rip, is facing serious allegations from his former partner, Michelle Crosby. The Manhattan-based lawyer filed a cross-complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing Carnahan of s**** battery, assault, and stalking during their four-year relationship.

Crosby first met Carnahan in 2020 at a Palm Springs hotel pool. They quickly became friends and bonded over their shared love of film. She had experience as a co-producer on a Janis Joplin biopic, and Carnahan asked her to share a script with him. Weeks later, their friendship turned romantic, and Crosby says she eventually moved from New York to Los Angeles to live with Carnahan and discuss starting a production company together.

According to the suit, the relationship turned violent. Crosby alleges an incident in 2024 at an Indian Wells hotel where “Carnahan suddenly yanked her hair as she screamed for him to stop.” Another episode at his Sierra Madre home reportedly involved Carnahan grabbing her by the throat and slamming her to the floor. Crosby claims she experienced ongoing physical abuse, harassment, and stalking.

“This was monstrous behavior by a Hollywood director that should not be left unchallenged,” Crosby told The Hollywood Reporter. “These grave matters demand accountability.”

Law enforcement reviewed several of Crosby’s claims. The Riverside County District Attorney’s office confirmed it received a s**** battery report in July 2025, but declined to file charges due to insufficient evidence.

A second report was also submitted but not pursued. Crosby also filed complaints in Los Angeles related to stalking, though prosecutors declined to press charges. She remains determined to pursue legal recourse, stating, “I have to trust in the process and the fact there is a resubmission of evidence is a testament to the strength of the evidence to repursue it.”

Carnahan, 56, denies all allegations. His lawyer, Wendy Slavkin, said, “This was a completely consensual relationship which ended in Spring 2024 and since then the other party has consistently threatened Joe with exactly what you’re reading now – the threat to attack Joe publicly when his film was released.”

The legal battle comes after a lawsuit filed by Carnahan regarding a Porsche that Crosby allegedly refused to return. Crosby’s cross-complaint includes claims for battery, s**** battery, assault, stalking, defamation, and breach of contract over the proposed production company. She is seeking unspecified damages, including at least $3 million for luxury items she claims Carnahan stole.

The timing of the cross-complaint coincided with the press tour for Carnahan’s Netflix crime drama The Rip, which premiered to 41.6 million views in its first three days. A spokesperson for Carnahan said the lawsuit was strategically timed to disrupt publicity for the film.

Crosby’s suit details multiple incidents of alleged abuse, harassment, and theft. She claims Carnahan created situations where she feared for her safety, leading her to seek psychiatric care for post-traumatic stress disorder. One allegation describes a s**** encounter at a hotel that Crosby says became violent, causing permanent scalp damage.

Carnahan’s full statement through his representative said: “It’s very upsetting that Joe and his family have been subjected to an endless retaliatory campaign of baseless allegations from an individual who has twice been arrested for domestic violence… This was a completely consensual relationship which ended in Spring 2024 and since then the other party has consistently threatened Joe with exactly what you’re reading now… Joe is committed to seeing this process through for the sake of his children and their safety and hopes that the other person will seek the help they need.”

This legal dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Hollywood over personal relationships intersecting with professional projects. The case is ongoing, and both parties continue to pursue claims and defenses in court.

This situation is shocking and deeply troubling. If the allegations are true, it shows how power dynamics in Hollywood relationships can be abused. On the other hand, Carnahan maintains his innocence, and the legal process will determine the facts. What do you think about this case and the claims being made? Share your thoughts in the comments.