Attorney Files Cross-Complaint Alleging Physical Assault by Director Carnahan
In a legal development that has garnered attention, Michelle Crosby, a 45-year-old attorney, has filed a cross-complaint alleging that Carnahan, a 56-year-old director, subjected her to repeated physical assaults during their four-year relationship. The allegations were first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, which reviewed the court documents detailing the claims.
Background of the Relationship and Allegations
According to Crosby’s filing, the couple began dating in 2020. She claims that Carnahan encouraged her to move from Manhattan to Los Angeles soon after they started their relationship. However, Crosby alleges that the relationship deteriorated rapidly following her relocation, escalating into physical abuse. The court documents describe multiple alleged incidents, including:
- Choking incidents that left her in distress.
- Shoving her into a Christmas tree during a heated argument.
- Pinning her beneath his body in a restraining manner.
- Striking her through a sofa cushion, causing pain and fear.
One particularly detailed alleged incident occurred in a hotel room in 2024. Crosby claims that what began as a consensual encounter escalated into violence when Carnahan forcefully pulled her hair despite her protests. She alleges this resulted in permanent scalp damage and significant hair loss, which she reported to the Riverside Sheriff’s Department at the time.
Legal Context and Responses
The allegations appear in a cross-complaint filed by Crosby in response to a lawsuit initiated by Carnahan. In his lawsuit, Carnahan claims that Crosby damaged a Porsche vehicle he had lent her, seeking compensation for the alleged damages. Crosby’s cross-complaint counters this by alleging that the incidents of physical violence form part of a broader pattern of abuse and intimidation by Carnahan throughout their relationship.
Carnahan has denied all accusations made by Crosby. His attorney, Wendy Slavkin, provided a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, asserting that the relationship was consensual and ended in the spring of 2024. Slavkin added that Carnahan has not had any contact with Crosby outside of court proceedings since then. She further claimed that similar allegations were dismissed in July 2025, and noted that Carnahan has sought a permanent restraining order against Crosby to prevent future interactions.
Impact on Carnahan’s Career and Timing of Filing
Carnahan recently directed The Rip, a Netflix crime thriller inspired by a 2016 Miami-Dade narcotics raid. The film reportedly amassed more than 41 million views within its first three days of release in January, marking a significant success in his career. Crosby filed her cross-complaint prior to the film’s promotional tour, potentially aiming to bring attention to her allegations during a high-profile period for Carnahan.
This case highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence and legal disputes in high-profile relationships, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives in court. The outcome of this cross-complaint could have implications for Carnahan’s professional reputation and Crosby’s pursuit of justice.
