LOS ANGELES — Three top officers of the Adult Performers Actors Guild (APAG) have filed a complaint in the Los Angeles Superior Court against the International Entertainment Adult Union (IEAU), which has functioned as APAG’s “mother union,” also naming IEAU founder Phyllisha Anne and 10 unnamed Does as co-defendants.
APAG leadership members Alana Evans, Ruby and Kelly Pierce (filing under their legal names), allege that Anne (also identified by her legal name) and IEAU are in breach of a contract dated “on or about June 6, 2016,” in which the plaintiffs were contracted by IEAU “to performer services on behalf of [APAG].” According to the complaint, the contract was renewed in 2018.
Evans, Ruby and Pierce's complaint, dated May 20, alleges that IEAU failed “to pay the sums due under the written agreement” and calculate the damages at $124,000 for each of the officers, plus $400 for Evans to repay a loan.
The plaintiffs are also suing for IAEU failing to pay them “for goods and services rendered,” an amount they calculate at $496,000.
The third complaint is for defamation, referring to a “false press release” sent to media outlets and posted on the IEAU website on or about March 19, 2020.
As XBIZ reported at the time, Anne unilaterally announced via this communication the “termination of our Adult Performers Actors Guild” and the filing of a supposed lawsuit “under the Supreme Court” against Evans, Ruby and Pierce.
The APAG officers allege the press release, mentioning this "false" lawsuit, and comments made by Anne during a radio show about Evans shortly after, constitute defamation and are “libelous on their face,” exposing them to “contempt, ridicule and obloquy because no lawsuit has been filed by IEAU against plaintiffs.”
Evans, Ruby and Pierce calculate the damages to their reputations “in excess of $100,000 each.”
A fourth complaint refers to a union board meeting with participation by APAG and IEAU leadership, with the allegation that Anne and the other defendants “falsified the minutes to slander plaintiffs.”
Evans, Ruby and Pierce allege libel and calculate damages “in excess of $100,000 each.”
All four “courses of action” against IEAU and Anne have potential damages in excess of $1M, if they are found guilty.
XBIZ contacted Phyllisha Anne, who would only comment, “I am unaware of any lawsuit, just [hearsay] otherwise.”
Jim Felton, attorney for Evans, Ruby and Pierce, shared with XBIZ a document showing the lawsuit had been served at IEAU’s business address in Woodland Hills, California.
