Derek Andrew Hay (born 12 August 1964), also known by his stage name Ben English,[2] is a British pornographic actor and the founder and owner of the adult talent agency LA Direct Models.[3] He semi-retired from performing in the late 2000s after appearing in nearly 800 movies.[4] However, he has since then appeared in several movies. He appeared most recently in Digital Playground's Trading Mothers for Daughters, released on 10 August 2014.[citation needed]

Derek Hay
Hay attending the "This Is Our Industry" A.I.M. Fundraiser Party at Les Deux, Hollywood, California, November 2009
Born (1964-08-12) 12 August 1964 (age 60)
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]

Before founding LA Direct Models in 2000, Hay worked as a stage manager in London for acts including The Rolling Stones, Queen, and Metallica.[4]

Accusations and sentencing

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As of 2020, several accounts of sexual abuse, trafficking,[5] and employment standards violations[6] have been lobbied against the LA Direct Models agency and Hay.

Hay, along with Dwight Cunningham and Karine Michmichian of The Luxury Companion, has also been formally charged by the California Department of Justice for an alleged participation in an illegal prostitution scheme. The complaint alleges that Hay would introduce clients of LA Direct Models to Michmichian and Cunningham for the purpose of prostitution. The complaint further alleges that Hay pressured a female client into prostitution by using the exclusivity provisions in one of his contracts to limit her access to work in pornography.[7][8]

On 28 May 2024 Derek Hay pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit pandering and a charge of perjury, as part of a plea agreement with the California Attorney General.[9] He was sentenced to 9 months in county jail.[10] He was released after serving 21 days.[11]

Awards

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Personal Bio Ben English". IAFD.com. Retrieved 26 August 2007.
  2. ^ Ponante, Gram (2 January 2013). "Porn and managed expectations: When Derek met Nikki [interview]". Gramponante.com. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  3. ^ Joe Zigfield (6 March 2008). "Book 'Em". XBiz.com. Retrieved 3 November 2008.
  4. ^ a b Dan Miller (24 April 2010). "LA Direct Models Reaches 10-Year Milestone". AVN.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  5. ^ McDonell-Parry, Amelia; McDonell-Parry, Amelia (11 July 2018). "Four Porn Performers Accuse Top Agent Derek Hay of Sex Abuse, Trafficking". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  6. ^ XBIZ. "Labor Commissioner Rules in Favor of Jane Does in Derek Hay, LA Direct Case". XBIZ. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  7. ^ "Attorney General Becerra Announces Criminal Charges in Alleged North Hollywood Prostitution Operation". State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  8. ^ "Felony Complaint" (PDF). State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  9. ^ XBIZ (29 May 2024). "LA Direct's Derek Hay Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy Case". XBIZ. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  10. ^ "LA Direct's Derek Hay Sentenced to 9 Months for Conspiracy, Perjury". XBIZ. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  11. ^ https://fleshbot.com/biz/post/derek-hay-released-after-serving-three-weeks-of-270-day-sentence/
  12. ^ "XRCO". Archived from the original on 4 May 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  13. ^ "AVN Awards Past Winners". AVN.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  14. ^ David Sullivan (11 January 2009). "2009 AVN Award Winners Announced". AVN.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
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