America's Next Top Model

Anand Jon, fashion designer to the stars, was named a person to watch in 2007 by Newsweek; I don't think this is what they had in mind.
 
Anand Jon Alexander, 33, (usually known just as Anand Jon), who's made several appearances on America's Next Top Model, was charged this week with sexual assault and rape of several women, one only fifteen years old, by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.
He denies the accusations, and claims that at least one of the women is simply seeking revenge because he didn't help her get ahead in the modeling world in the way she hoped.

"When you deal with a large amount of women, you're going to have potential false allegations made against you," said his attorney Ronald Richards. "He absolutely contends he didn't break any laws with respect to the contact he had with these women."

However, it's not as easy as denying it. Anand Jon has been charged with six felonies, including lewd acts on a child and forcible rape of multiple victims, and he could be going to prison for life if convicted. It would seem that nobody's willing to put up the $1.3 million bail so far, and he's being held until his hearing.

As well as his work for shows like America's Next Top Model, Anand Jon is well known for his designs for celebrities, has won many fashion awards in the last five years, and was said to be hosting a new VH1 show this year, as well as launching a new jeans line.

Does Tyra Banks have illegal immigrants working on America's Next Top Model? Maybe. Anand Jon is also suspected of being in the country illegally. Although his attorney says he arrived in the US on a professional work visa, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have placed a hold on him as well.

Anand Jon's hearing will be held March 19.


-Mel, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Sources: Time Magazine
Photo of Anand Jon and Paris Hilton courtesy of AnandJon.com