The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Mansef offered Manila a lucrative three-year exclusive contract as a pretext for getting Manila to train others in his shooting style.
Attorney Gary Jay Kaufman, who represents Manila, told XBIZ that after signing the director to a one-year service agreement for 40 scenes a month in June 2007, Mansef was so impressed with Manila’s work that it sought to keep Manila from working for competitors through a long-term, exclusive contract.
Manila, whose real name is Leonard Bautista, accepted the offer in late 2007 and committed himself exclusively to Brazzers for at least the next three years that raised his fee from $28,000 to $40,000 per month, the suit said.
“Unfortunately, Mansef’s commitment to Manila was nowhere near as strong,” said Kaufman, who represents numerous adult companies for The Kaufman Law Group. “Mansef immediately asked Manila to train others to direct in his style.
"Now, with the training complete, Mansef trumped up bogus excuses to terminate Manila’s contract and offered him a replacement contract for a shorter term in a ridiculously transparent cost-cutting move.”
Mansef, according to the suit, terminated Manila in June.
Brazzers sells adult videos and operates its flagship website Brazzers.com, as well as 21 paysites such as Big Tits at School, Porn Stars Like it Big and Mommy Got Boobs.
The suit seeks at least $1.2 million, plus attorneys fees.
XBIZ was unable to reach Mansef officials by press time.
