“Black Lightning” and “Love Is” executive producer Salim Akil has been accused of domestic violence and copyright infringement in a pair of lawsuits filed against the writer-producer.
Actress and screenwriter Amber Dixon Brenner said in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court last week that she had engaged in a decade-long sexual relationship with Akil, during which time he abused her on multiple occasions.
In the suit, Brenner accused Akil of committing physical abuse, verbally threatening her and forcing her to perform oral sex on him.
“In the early summer of 2017, which was the last time defendant Akil and [Brenner] had sexual relations, he backhanded her in the face during sex with a closed hand,” the complaint reads. “These acts were all committed without the consent of [Brenner].”
Representatives for Akil and his production company did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Brenner said the relationship ended in 2017, approximately 10 years after she first began “dating” Akil, who has been married to “Love Is” co-creator and “Black Lighting” executive producer Mara Brock Akil for nearly 20 years.
“The reasons why [Brenner] did not leave Akil after the very first of these instances occurred are complicated and the subject of significant resulting therapy for [Brenner]. [She] believed she loved Akil,” the complaint states, also citing Akil’s position as a powerful television producer.
Also named in the lawsuit are Brock Akil and OWN, which airs “Love Is.” Brenner said that she allowed Akil to read her screenplay titled “Luv & Perversity in the East Village,” which he then used as the basis for “Love Is.”
“After years of being involved in this abusive boyfriend/girlfriend dating sexual relationship, [Brenner] wrote about loving a person who is detrimental to her own life and takes the readers on a journey that explores love in the context of such an abusive relationship, as told from the perspective of the young female protagonist,” the complaint reads.
Brenner gave Akil the script to gauge his interest in potentially collaborating on the project, to which he allegedly replied that he was “really enjoying” reading it. The complaint says that Akil then began work on a project “based upon many of the same characters, themes, etc… that existed in LPEV,” which eventually become “Love Is” on OWN.
The accusation is mirrored in a separate copyright infringement lawsuit Brenner filed in U.S. District Court last month.
Brenner is suing for unspecified damages for emotional distress and to cover lost profits from the use of her ideas.
Spokespersons for OWN and “Love Is” producers Warner Bros. Television also did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
2018 Holiday TV Specials: Here Are 20 Programs Sure to Make Your Days Merry and Bright (Photos)
With Thanksgiving behind us, you are now officially allowed to start listening to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (if you haven't been since Nov. 1), baking cookies, decorating the tree and -- most importantly -- tuning into all those holiday specials you look forward to throughout the less festive times of year. TheWrap has rounded up all the ones you can't miss this season. Click through our gallery to check out the list.
"A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy" -- Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. on NBC
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen celebrate the season of joy and laughter alongside the couple’s family and talented celebrity friends. Legend performs a selection of songs from his 2018 holiday album, “A Legendary Christmas.”
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" -- Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. on ABC
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” host Jordan Fisher and “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland host two-hour televised event from Disney World and Disneyland. Performances by Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, Brett Eldredge, Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli and Becky G.
"The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special" -- Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. on ABC
Victoria’s Secret’s Angels once again take the runway. Musical guests include Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts.
ABC
"Deal or No Deal: Happy Howie Days" -- Dec. 3 at 10 p.m. on NBC
Howie Mandel’s hit game show is back after 10 years and he’s offering up the possibility of a $1 million holiday present. A family who has overcome all odds, an incredible adoption story and a player who pushes the limits to bring life-changing money home for the holidays.
"Nailed It! Holiday" -- launches Dec. 7 on Netflix
The creative cooking fun continues, as hosts Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres return for a holiday-themed third installment in the streamer's baking competition series.
"RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular" -- Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. on VH1
The eight queens competing on the hour-long “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” are Eureka O’Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique and Trixie Mattel.
“Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic” -- Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.
This year’s featured weddings at Walt Disney World Resort will include a “Mary Poppins Returns” theme and a performance by country music superstar Martina McBride.
"CMA Country Christmas" -- Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. on ABC
Reba McEntire will host and perform during the holiday music special, along with Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young.
“Pentatonix: A Not So Silent Night" -- Dec. 10 at 10 p.m.on NBC
Pentatonix embarks on an unforgettable journey throughout Las Vegas, making stops along the Strip, featuring guests including Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Maren Morris and Penn & Teller.
NBC
"Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas" -- Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. on NBC
Winner of the 2017 season of “America’s Got Talent,” Darci Lynne Farmer will celebrate the holidays Oklahoma style with her puppets and guests Kristin Chenoweth, Toby Keith, Hunter Hayes, Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling.
"Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter's Tale" -- launches Dec. 14 on Netflix
The Church of Night, like all covens, celebrates the Winter Solstice-the longest night of the year-when families gather around the Yule Fire to sing pagan carols and tell ghost stories. But the holidays are also a time for guests and visitors-both welcome and unwelcome- you never know what might come down the chimney…
"iHeartRadio Jingle Ball" -- Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. on The CW
A 90-minute holiday music event that celebrates the season with performances by Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Camilla Cabello and many more of today’s biggest stars.
"America’s Got Talent" -- Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. on NBC
A festive edition of the competition series, with judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.
NBC
"Timeless" series finale -- Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. on NBC
The 2-hour series finale promises fans "an epic, unforgettable thrill ride through the past, present and future, with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit."
There’s something for everyone (naughty and nice) on this list — and yes, we checked it twice
With Thanksgiving behind us, you are now officially allowed to start listening to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (if you haven't been since Nov. 1), baking cookies, decorating the tree and -- most importantly -- tuning into all those holiday specials you look forward to throughout the less festive times of year. TheWrap has rounded up all the ones you can't miss this season. Click through our gallery to check out the list.