Derek Hay Appeals Labor Commission Decision in 'Jane Does' Case

Derek Hay Appeals Labor Commission Decision in 'Jane Does' Case

[Update, 7/7/20, 8:30 a.m.: Added Richard Freeman's comment on pending cases.]

LOS ANGELES — LA Direct agent Derek Hay filed an appeal with the Los Angeles County Superior Court last month requesting a “Trial De Novo” concerning the issues brought before the Labor Commission in 2018 by five of his former models, initially identified only as "Jane Doe Nos. 1-5," and which resulted in a June 10 decision by a Commissioner largely against Hay.

Hay also announced through the appeals document, filed on June 18, that he will post an “undertaking” (appeals bond) for twice the amount of the nearly $25,000 sum awarded by the Labor Commissioner to the models collectively, which will stay the enforcement of the award during the appeal/Trial De Novo process.

According to Hay's attorney, the Trial De Novo has been granted and is been assigned to a Los Angeles judge.

The Trial De Novo is a common appeals strategy in civil and small claim cases where one of the parties continues to fight a case after a ruling against them. The Trial De Novo request asks to set aside the decisions from a lower court — in this case, the proceedings of the Labor Commission — and re-try the case (“de novo” means “anew” in Latin).

According to the rules of the Trial De Novo, the on-record transcript of testimonies and cross-examination from the original trial — or Labor Commission proceedings — can be entered into the record of the new trial.

Hay is asking for a Trial De Novo on the issues raised by the Jane Does in their complaint and a judgment against them, including costs and attorney fees.

Last June 10, California Labor Commissioner Patricia Salazar issued a 50-page decision on the original complaint against Hay and LA Direct. The commissioner's decision found against Hay and LA Direct on seven of ten issues, including multiple breaches of contract, and held Hay "legally responsible in his individual capacity and/or as owner of Direct Models for any violations committed.”

The Attorneys Speak

Hay’s attorney Richard Freeman told XBIZ that his client and the agency “have filed the notice of appeal from the decision of the Labor Commissioner. The result of filing the appeal is that the case will start anew in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and it will proceed as any other lawsuit involving a dispute between parties.”

“It has been been assigned to a judge, Judge Richard J. Burdge, who will oversee the procedures and will at some point assign a jury trial date for the issues in the case,” Freeman continued. “Before the case is assigned to trial, there will be an opportunity for Direct Models to obtain documents from and records about all of the Jane Does and they will have an opportunity to take the depositions of those Jane Does and other witnesses.”

“It really is a brand-new lawsuit and the decision of the Labor Commissioner plays no role, it has no effect whatsoever on anything that happens.”

Allan Gelbard, the attorney for the Jane Does, told XBIZ he believes his clients “will actually do even better at our Trial De Novo."

“While the hearing officer’s decision was clearly in our favor, there were several issues I believe she missed that will permit my clients even greater relief,” Gelbard added. “In addition, several of the issues are purely legal and I believe my clients will prevail on them following a motion for summary adjudication.”

Gelbard also referred to two separate pending cases also involving Hay — California criminal charges against him, for which he is free on bail, and a Labor commission proceeding concerning LA Direct’s license.

After the initial publication of this piece, Hay's attorney Richard Freeman told XBIZ that his client "has denied the two criminal allegations against him, based on the claims of the Jane Does, implicitly rejecting the claims of two of the other Jane Does" and that "the Licensing Case has yet to be re-set for a Hearing after a February Hearing Date at the Office of Administrative Hearings was continued [postponed]."

Read XBIZ's coverage of last month's Labor Commission ruling here.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Anna Claire Clouds: From Nashville to XMA Gold

The photo shoot is going great. Anna Claire Clouds knows all her angles. The moment the cap comes off the camera lens, Clouds tilts her head just so and deploys her signature dreamy eyes with all controls set to “smoldering.” Girl knows what she’s doing.

Lilly Bell Takes the Spotlight in 2 New Adult Time Scenes

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars in two new scenes from Adult Time.

LorReign Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator and former Colorado sheriff's deputy LorReign has made her debut for new Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Anthony and Jax Slayher.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Derek Savage in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Boom Boom Angela.”

Yhivi Fronts Latest B/B/G From Brazzers

Yhivi stars in the latest B/B/G release from Brazzers alongside two former XMAs Male Performers of the Year, Mick Blue and Xander Corvus.

Ofcom Fines OnlyFans Parent Company Over Inaccurate Age Verification Reporting

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom has fined OnlyFans parent company Fenix International Ltd. $1.36 million for inaccurate reporting of its age verification measures.

Sssh.com Wraps Production on Musical Feature 'Duet'

Carmen Wilson and Joe Gow star in Sssh.com’s upcoming musical feature “Duet.”

Elegant Angel, Adam & Eve Collab on New Western 'Buckle Bunnies'

Elegant Angel has partnered with Adam & Eve Pictures to release the western feature "Buckle Bunnies."

Queenie Sateen Headlines 'Going for It 3' From Bellesa Films

Queenie Sateen toplines the third volume of “Going for It” from Bellesa Films.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Show More