‘Black Lightning,’ ‘Love Is...’ exec producer Salim Akil under investigation over domestic violence charge

Originally posted Sunday, December 2, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

Salim Akil, the show runner for the CW's Atlanta-based show "Black Lightning," is being investigated by the studio Warner Bros. TV. following a lawsuit by a woman who claimed to be his former lover.

Akil, is also an executive producer for an OWN romantic drama "Love Is_," another show shot in Atlanta and based loosely on his relationship with his wife Mara Brock Ali, who is the show runner for "Love Is_."

Actress and writer Amber Dixon Brenner, according to a lawsuit procured by the Hollywood Reporter, said she had a 10-year affair with Akil that ended last year. During that time, she claimed he forced her to have oral sex on many occasions.

There have been no reports of Akil behaving badly on set but Warner Bros. is doing this out of an abundance of caution.

Brenner also accused him of stealing ideas from her screenplay “Luv & Perversity in the East Village” for “Love Is_” and is in part based on her relationship with him.

Akil has not commented on the lawsuit or investigation.

“Black Lightning” is currently in its second season. “Love Is_” aired its first season this year on OWN and has been renewed for a second.

About the Author

Stranger things happen: David Harbour look-alikes compete in Cabbagetown Park

Harbour plays Chief Jim Hopper in’Stranger Things’ and Red Guardian in ‘Thunderbolts*.’

After success of ‘Fight Song’, Rachel Platten looks inward for inspiration

Rachel Platten's newest music finds inspiration from her struggles with postpartum depression, the pandemic and trying to follow up on the success of her 2015 hit 'Fight Song'

‘Mirth & Mischief’ immerses itself at real castle in Helen

There will be a blend of interactive games, shows and other spectacles, including fairies, puppets, aerialists, vendors, a tarot card reader and a body painter.

The Latest

Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

‘Ride Along’ producer Will Packer promotes ‘healthy arrogance’ in new book

Check out three new reality shows with Atlanta ties

For character actor French Stewart, Atlanta has become home

Featured

Credit: Jason Allen/AJC

Ossoff launches investigation into corporate takeover of Atlanta housing market

Citing American Dream for Rent, Georgia’s U.S. senator demands answers on bulk purchases of single-family homes.

‘A little bit out of control’: Atlanta council questions mayor’s budget

Dickens administration aims to cut about 150 city jobs this year to help make up projected deficit.

OPINION

Patricia Murphy: Sen. MTG? Like Trump’s return, it could happen

Before we count out Marjorie Taylor Green as someone with statewide potential in Georgia, rewind the tape to November to see who won here: Donald Trump