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.”
TMZ.com has posted the suit against Anand in case anyone wants to read it in detail.
Posted by: Lisa Tsering | March 19, 2007 at 07:43 PM
I interned for him for 3 months. He likes to treat people like slaves and has no respect for women. He always has women around him who work for him, none of who gets paid. I think he is a slave driver with the mind of a pervert.
Posted by: Nora Lukan | September 03, 2007 at 05:52 PM
Nora Lukan: The bible teaches us that we will be punished for our sins. "We cannot escape God's punshment if we continue to sin.God will punish those who will turn away from him to continue in sin.God says: if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is more profitable for you than for your whole body to be cast into hell."
This beautiful paragraph seems to be quite adequate in this kind of situation
Posted by: nora lukan | September 15, 2007 at 10:18 AM
OMG! Sanjana, What volunteers are you talking about! There was never volunteers! You and Anand took advantage of the models and the mothers that traveled with their daughters. You'll expected them to work. FREE LABOR!!!
That's what you and Anand demanded! Don't act so innocent...you new what was going on! While you were taking advantage of the free labor. Your brother (Anand) was exposing himself to the young girls. Don't act so stupid!!! This goes for your mother too. The only reason the 15 yr. old lied about her age is probably, because Anand told her to. Your brother and your family is a sorry excuse of a man and want to be designer. Don't you remember cutting out labels and having the free labor sew in Anands.
To the people of India. Please do not support this man. He is a rapist. I am not a model. I am a mother, and I don't have a reason to lie. I want to see justice prevail. He needs to put behind bars. I am sure the other inmates would like him very much.
Posted by: Texas | December 16, 2007 at 10:34 PM
poor jon is dead
a song from oklahoma
Posted by: panditjugalkishoreshastri | December 17, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Anand and Anju were class mates of my wife and I hear from her that both were born and bought up in a very good family situation and both of us will never belive ANAND will do such things.No chance..we
we strongly object any action to this gentle man
Posted by: jacobjijimon | January 19, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Anand and Anju were class mates of my wife minu george(Holy Angels'convent TVM)and I hear from her that both were born and brought up in a very good family situation and both of us will never belive ANAND will do such things.No chance..we
we strongly object any action on this gentle man
Posted by: jacobjijimon | January 19, 2008 at 01:06 PM