By Dareh Gregorian
November 10, 2005
The aspiring model who claims she was sexually preyed upon by a fashion big Barami during a job interview says she didn't realize what was happening to her until it was too late.
Barami's lawyer, Kenneth Schachter, said his client "has always steadfastly said he's done nothing wrong."
Alexander, 24, was put in touch with Barami, whose full name is Bahram Hakakian, last September, after she was approached for a modeling job by a salesperson in one of his stores.
She said she was "very excited" about the opportunity- until the interview, which began with Barami offering her wine and then showing her some sexually explicit cartoons.
"It was all pornographic," she said, but at that point she wasn't worried about her safety.
"I thought he was just some weird designer."
Her suit says he refused to leave her dressing room while she was changing, telling her that "in order to be a model, she would have to be comfortable showing her body."
She said he offered her drugs and groped and kissed her until she was able to flee when he stepped out of the room.