A Vancouver model has filed a $10 million class-action lawsuit against her former Los Angeles talent agency, saying she was sexually exploited as their client.

On Tuesday, Claire Robinson, 23, filed suit against International Creative Management and the agency's vice president Jack Gilardi, alleging she was subjected to unwanted sexual advances and a sexual assault.

Robinson says she was led into fake auditions only to be sexually propositioned, a practice known as "hip pocketing." Then, in 2008, Robinson says a friend of Gilardi's came to her home and sexually assaulted her.

"The whole experience has been devastating," Robinson's lawyer Perry Wander said on Thursday. "She came to Los Angeles with the dream of pursuing a career in modeling and acting, and instead was subjected to sexual harassment, sexual battery and the realization that her representation by ICM was a sham."

ICM denied the claims on Tuesday night, saying the allegations were "completely baseless."

"ICM denies any and all wrongdoing and will vigorously defend this action," the company said.

Robinson was crowned Miss British Columbia in 2004 before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She then joined ICM, one of the top five talent agencies in Hollywood, which has represented Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and Halle Berry in the past.

Despite Robinson's initial excitement, Wander says years of exploitation and abuse have resulted in a nervous breakdown for his client - and Robinson's case is not unique.

"The suit was filed as a class action because we believe there were other girls who were ensnared in this trap," he said.

He's also hoping the Hollywood media will help bring the problem to light - but he's not holding his breath.

"The industry is self-policing," he said. "The biggest omission that has been very telling to me is that Daily Variety has not reported on this. The largest entertainment industry trade paper has turned a blind eye."

Robinson's suit, filed with the L.A. Superior Court, is asking for $10 million as well as 10 per cent of ICM's gross earnings for one year.