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

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I’ve always been a fan of Joe Carnahan’s work – films like ‘The A-Team’ and ‘The Grey’ are fantastic. But I was shocked to read the allegations made by his ex-partner, Michelle Crosby. She’s a lawyer here in New York, and she’s filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles claiming he subjected her to terrible abuse – specifically, s battery, assault, and stalking – during their four years together. It’s truly disturbing to hear, and I hope the truth comes out.

Bing Crosby and Carnahan first connected in 2020 while at a hotel pool in Palm Springs. They quickly became friends, united by their passion for movies. Carnahan, impressed by Crosby’s experience as a co-producer on a Janis Joplin film, asked her to look at a script he’d written. Their friendship soon blossomed into a romantic relationship, and Crosby eventually relocated from New York to Los Angeles to live with Carnahan and explore the possibility of launching a production company together.

The lawsuit details a pattern of violence in the relationship. Crosby claims that in 2024, Carnahan physically assaulted her at a hotel in Indian Wells, allegedly pulling her hair while she begged him to stop. She also reports an incident at his home where he grabbed her throat and threw her to the floor. Crosby states she endured repeated physical abuse, harassment, and stalking.

Crosby stated to The Hollywood Reporter that the director’s actions were unacceptable and needed to be addressed. He emphasized that serious consequences should follow such behavior.

Police investigated several statements made by Crosby. The District Attorney’s office in Riverside County confirmed they received a report of a physical assault in July 2025, but decided not to press charges because they didn’t have enough proof.

Another report was filed, but authorities didn’t follow up on it. Crosby also reported stalking to police in Los Angeles, but the district attorney decided not to file charges. Despite this, she’s still seeking legal options and believes the recent resubmission of evidence shows how strong her case is. She stated, “I have to trust the legal process, and the fact that we’re able to resubmit the evidence proves how compelling it is.”

Joe Carnahan, 56, refutes all accusations made against him. His attorney, Wendy Slavkin, stated that the relationship was entirely consensual and ended in Spring 2024. Since then, Slavkin claims the other person involved has repeatedly threatened to publicly damage Carnahan’s reputation, particularly around the release of his new film.

This legal dispute started when Carnahan sued Crosby, claiming she wouldn’t return a Porsche. Crosby responded with her own claims, alleging battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault, stalking, defamation, and a breach of contract related to their planned business venture. She’s asking the court for financial compensation, including at least $3 million to cover luxury items she says Carnahan took from her.

The lawsuit was filed just as David Carnahan’s new Netflix crime drama, The Rip, was gaining attention, racking up 41.6 million views in its first three days. A representative for Carnahan believes the timing of the lawsuit was intentional, designed to overshadow the film’s publicity.

The lawsuit filed by Crosby outlines several instances of claimed mistreatment, including abuse, harassment, and theft. She alleges that Carnahan’s actions made her fear for her safety, resulting in her needing mental health treatment for PTSD. Specifically, Crosby describes a sexual encounter at a hotel that she says turned violent, leaving her with lasting injuries to her scalp.

A representative for Carnahan stated that it’s deeply concerning Joe and his family are facing repeated, false accusations from someone with a history of domestic violence arrests. The relationship was mutually ended in Spring 2024, and since then, the other person has repeatedly threatened to make these claims public. Joe is focused on resolving this situation to protect his children and hopes the other person will get the support they need.

This lawsuit shows how personal relationships and work often clash in Hollywood. The case is still in progress, with both sides continuing to present their arguments in court.

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2026-02-02 12:15