He was featured on "America's Next Top Model," worked with such celebrities as Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige and was among 20 people profiled by Newsweek in 2006 as up-and-coming players in various industries.
Defence lawyers said Alexander hopes to overturn his California conviction by arguing he had ineffective counsel there.
Outside the court, his mother Shashi Abraham and sister Sanjana Jon both proclaimed Alexander's innocence.
"Anand Jon is innocent and he will prove it. The truth will come out," Jon said. "This is an innocent person who is being victimised."
"People do believe in his innocence. Look at how many people are here supporting him, from all over," said Abraham.