Anand Jon's family has now responded to the charges against him, sending SAJA and others last night the press release below.
On March 6, 2007 Anand Jon, notably listed in January 2007 Newsweek as “one to watch in 2007” was arrested for improper behavior. This rock star celebrity fashion designer, like everyone else in the court system is innocent until proven otherwise, not the other way around. In America, you’re not supposed to be tried in the media, but everyone has a right to their day in court to defend themselves. The press is supposed to report the news as facts, as it happens, unbiased. Any false accusation can ruin a person’s life. As the news stories come out one seems to be more sensationalized than the next with the facts more exaggerated.
See the full release below. SAJAforum coverage of the case here and here.
[ Press release ]
From: info@ten-media.com
March 14, 2007 TEN-Media – New York City
ANAND JON – Innocent Until Proven Otherwise
On March 6, 2007 Anand Jon, notably listed in January 2007 Newsweek as “one to watch in 2007” was arrested for improper behavior. This rock star celebrity fashion designer, like everyone else in the court system is innocent until proven otherwise, not the other way around. In America, you’re not supposed to be tried in the media, but everyone has a right to their day in court to defend themselves. The press is supposed to report the news as facts, as it happens, unbiased. Any false accusation can ruin a person’s life. As the news stories come out one seems to be more sensationalized than the next with the facts more exaggerated.
“We stand by our man!” said a company spokesman. “In America, we are innocent until proven otherwise. There has been a lot of support for the designer, with many of his celebrity friends calling in to add their support.
Sanjana Jon, Anand Jon’s sister, “…firmly believes in the innocence of my brother. I’ve worked along side him for many years and he always maintained a professional relationship with the workers, models and the volunteers.
Jon's attorney, Ronald Richards, today in the LA Times, said the allegations were fabrications by models who believed they weren't getting the work they had expected from the designer.
“He’s justifiable upset; he’s never been in jail before. He’s concerned about his future and he concerned about his career.”
As reported in the NY Daily News: The defendant’s attorney states, “My client vehemently denies any unlawful sexual acts. We believe the L.A. County district attorney's office will treat my client fairly and this matter will resolve itself."The 2007 claim is from a 21-year old model that he had a longstanding relationship with. He flew her down to LA. She didn’t get his undivided attention so she claimed sexual assault.
The 15-year old model lied to everyone that she was 18 and had a fake ID. She even told the cops that she was 17. There was no misconduct, only jealousy regarding modeling campaigns.
A 2004 claim had so little merit that the police in the matter didn’t even bother to file a charge. “The detectives thought that the claims had so little credibility that they didn’t even bother telling the defense or the judge.”
There were no additional claims between 2004 and 2007.
By the Beverly Hills police department intentionally “grouping multiple counts [suggests] multiple victims. Ergo the bail goes up. And that’s why my client is prejudiced by the current filing decision.” Mr. Richard continues, “Combining two charges in this case you are looking at an automatic life sentence. And we don’t play Russian roulette with people’s lives.”
The defense attorney will be back in court immediately seeking reduction of bail, dismissal of charges due to prosecutorial wrongdoing.
As standard procedure, Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) placed a detainer (or hold) on him, which must be cleared up prior to bail being made.
“Anand Jon has a valid visa to be in this country. We are addressing this immediately.”"He hasn't had an opportunity to have any proactive action on his behalf, due to his guest status in this country. Business visitors to our country don't realize that a detainer can be placed on them without any hearing or notice.”
