Introduction
Mike Jeffries the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner, Matthew Smith have been arrested and are now facing charges of sex trafficking.
The FBI has been investigating them and more details are expected soon. Both men have denied the allegations with their lawyers stating that they will respond appropriately when the case goes to court.Learn more about the Ravens Win Again Jackson and Derrick Henry Dominate.
How the Allegations Began
The accusations first came to light after a BBC investigation in 2023. It was revealed that Jeffries and Smith had been hosting events from 2009 to 2015 where men were recruited to attend and were allegedly exploited.
A middleman, James Jacobson, helped bring men to these events. Some of the men say they were misled about what would happen, while others say they knew the events were sexual but didn’t expect what they were asked to do. Many were also offered potential modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch.
The Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation
The operation involved recruiting young men to participate in sexual activities at these events. David Bradberry, an aspiring model, explained that he was told he would need to perform sexual acts to meet Mike Jeffries.
Many events were held in private, secluded locations and Jeffries’ staff were often present, which made the men feel uncomfortable about refusing. Although paid, several attendees felt misled about what was expected of them. Some were told they could get modeling jobs with Abercrombie & Fitch in exchange for attending.
Lawsuit Against Jeffries and Abercrombie & Fitch
In addition to the arrests, Jeffries and Smith are facing a civil lawsuit accusing them of sex trafficking, rape and sexual assault. Abercrombie & Fitch is also mentioned in the lawsuit, with claims that the company indirectly funded the sex trafficking operation while Jeffries was in charge.
However, Abercrombie & Fitch denies this and says it didn’t know about the events. A judge has also ruled that Abercrombie & Fitch must pay for Jeffries’ legal defense in the civil case, as the accusations are tied to his role as CEO.
FBI Investigation and Legal Action
The FBI investigated Jeffries and Smith after the BBC’s initial report. On October 22, 2024, Mike Jeffries, Smith and the middleman, James Jacobson, were arrested on sex trafficking charges. Lawyers representing the victims say that these arrests are a big step toward justice. Mike Jeffries and Smith’s legal teams have said they will respond to the charges once the court case moves forward.
Mike Jeffries’ Fall from Power
Mike Jeffries, who once led Abercrombie & Fitch to global success, resigned as CEO in 2014 after the company’s sales began to drop. His time as CEO was already filled with controversy, including accusations of discrimination and concerns over his lavish spending.
Now, his reputation has been further damaged by these serious allegations of sexual misconduct. As the legal case unfolds, Abercrombie & Fitch faces questions about its involvement, although the company insists it was unaware of the alleged activities. Mike Jeffries’ These troubling accusations now overshadow the legacy once tied to the fashion industry.
