Filmmaker Sues Military Cobblers for Fraud

LOS ANGELES (CN) - A German film director claims in court that her marketing gig with a footwear company ended in a fit of "jealous rage" and missing wages.

Lexi Alexander of Los Angeles says she lost her job as senior vice president of marketing at The Original Footwear Co. after co-owner Jennifer Cole became convinced that her husband Kevin Cole had "personal feelings" for the filmmaker.

Alexander says the Coles hired her in March to shoot Original Footwear promotional videos and commercials. In addition to enlisting celebrities for the spots, Alexander says she revamped the company's website and increased its social media exposure.

Believing that her position was "long-lasting," Alexander allegedly turned down other job offers as Original Footwear profits soared.

Alexander does not say what she earned or billed for her work, except that the Coles gave her a Land Rover on a 36-month lease "in exchange for plaintiff's continued commitment to the company."

But things soon took a turn for the worse, according to the filing in Superior Court.

"On May 15, 2012, Kevin Cole sent plaintiff an e-mail stating that Jennifer Cole had 'flipped out' in a jealous rage and was accusing Kevin Cole of having personal feelings for plaintiff," the 13-page complaint states.

"Kevin Cole informed plaintiff that Jennifer Cole instructed Kevin Cole and Original Footwear to terminate the independent contractor agreement with plaintiff due to her jealousy of plaintiff or Jennifer Cole would initiate a divorce proceeding against him," Alexander continues.

Though Kevin Cole conceded that the company still owed Alexander for her work, she claims that it still has not paid her.

Alexander says that the Coles created a $5,500 invoice for the amount she was owed, though she says she never submitted any such paperwork. She also claims that the Coles unlawfully took possession of the leased Land Rover.

A martial artist, actress and filmmaker, Alexander's first film role was as Princess Kitana in "Mortal Kombat: Live Tour." Her directing credits include "Green Street Hooligans," a 2005 film starring Elijah Wood, and the 2008 movie "Punisher: War Zone." She also received an Academy Award nomination for her short film, "Johnny Flynton."

Alexander seeks punitive damages for breach of contract, emotional distress, fraud and other claims. She is represented by Joseph Becerra.

The Original Footwear Company runs a website called Original SWAT, which markets "tactical" boots for military and law enforcement.

Kevin Cole told Courthouse News that his company does not comment on pending litigation.

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