LOS ANGELES – Adult superstars Mia Malkova, Lexi Belle, Tasha Reign and six other performers represented by LA Direct Models have filed claims with the California Labor Commission over unpaid wages initially totaling $8,775.00 against Jorge Sanchez, also known as Jay Stern, and his company Modern Apple Entertainment – though with California Labor Code penalties reaching up to 30 times the unpaid wages for failure to pay on time, the claims could total more than $294,810.00.
According to the complaints, Modern Apple Entertainment, which also operates as Ruined Panties and Gamerette Gazette Quarterly, failed to pay modeling fees, travel expenses, and booking fees for scenes shot in November and December 2015.
“Direct Models has retained attorney Karen Tynan to assist its clients in fully pursuing all legally available remedies and claims to resolve any and all failure to pay and or failure to pay timely, for the employment procured by the agency on their behalf,” said Derek Hay, owner of LA Direct Models. “With the new and increased powers of enforcement granted to the Labor Commissioners on January 1, 2016, assets of the employer including personal real estate, may be seized to satisfy a ruling favorable to the employees, by that office.”
Also filing complaints are LA Direct Models’ Adria Rae, Marley Brinx, Kinsley Eden, Danny Mountain, Stacy Jay, and Chloe Amour.
The issue began in November of 2015, when Modern Apple booked and shot approximately ten LA Direct models (both male and female) during a short period of time with Sanchez requesting a special dispensation from the agency.
“He asked that we allow him to pay for all of the shoots at once, on a ‘payroll’ basis, after the shoots were completed,” Hay recalled. “We extended Mr. Sanchez this courtesy, as he had previously been a trusted client – under the condition that no model be paid later than 14 days from the date of their shoot, per Direct Models policy that it can never take more than 14 days for a model to receive payment for any shoot. After much nonsense it has now become clear that Mr. Sanchez does not intend to remit payment for these shoots, the amount of which is significant.”
LA Direct Models is affirming its support of its models in their action and offering to assist any of its other talent with similar claims against Sanchez and Modern Apple.
LA Direct Models performers represent a variety of backgrounds, appearances, ages, and sexual preferences, and each one is available to provide a unique perspective regarding the adult industry for mainstream and adult media representatives. Media interested in scheduling an interview with any performer represented by LA Direct Models may email info@ladirectmodels.com.
About LA Direct Models:
Since its inception in 2000, LA Direct Models has transformed into the largest and most accomplished full-service talent agency in the adult industry. Its A-list roster of talent includes over 100 female performers and 30 male performers, many of whom have received prestigious awards from AVN, XBIZ, and XRCO. Recently, LA Direct expanded to represent all aspects of the adult movie production, including makeup artists, videographers, directors, and still photographers. Drawing from his years of experience within the music industry, LA Direct Models owner Derek Hay brings keen business savvy to adult entertainment. Under Hay’s vision, LA Direct targeted additional key facets of the adult industry and launched divisions producing solo girl websites, editing services for movies, live webcams, and more, in addition to other niche services. The company has also partnered with well-known feature dance agency The Lee Network to provide another dimension of representation for its clients. As LA Direct Models continues to grow and conquer new challenges, its commitment to the best quality service remains the same. For more information, visit http://ladirectmodels.com/.
Isn’t this why a “LICENSED” Talent Agent such-as Derek who has made himself to be a legitimate agent for several years, would know the appropriate process.. Derek must cover the Money, or it would be possible all the total damages could fall on him and filing a lawsuit is invalid as all such claims must go infront of the labor comissioner. E.G. Everyday of a non-payment is equal to a working days wage could fall on Derek. Then Derek’s insurance company that sold him his bond would go after Derek, then Derek in turn would have to go back after… Read more »