Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Faces Growing Abuse Allegations
More than 40 men have now accused Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), of sexual assault, rape, and drugging. Legal representatives have revealed that the allegations span decades, with incidents dating as far back as the 1990s when Jeffries first joined A&F.
The former executive, who led the company from 1992 to 2014, is currently facing multiple civil lawsuits. The claims suggest Jeffries lured young men under the guise of modelling opportunities with A&F, only to subject them to sexual abuse.
Jeffries, now 80 years old, has denied all allegations. He remains under house arrest after pleading not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking and running a prostitution network alongside his partner, Matthew Smith (61), and their middleman, James Jacobson (72).
If convicted, the trio could face life imprisonment.
Allegations Span Decades and Involve Company Employees
The latest allegations include claims from A&F employees who say they were sexually assaulted while working for the brand. This raises serious concerns about whether A&F took adequate steps to protect its staff and investigate Jeffries’ actions during his 22-year tenure as CEO and chairman.
Two men, Brandon Steele and Joseph Sterling, have filed lawsuits alleging that Jeffries raped them after being pressured to take illegal drugs. According to court documents, these incidents occurred at “Abercrombie-themed” events where the men were given A&F clothing to wear.
The lawsuits further claim that these assaults were facilitated by James Jacobson, who reportedly scouted young men and groomed them for Jeffries and Smith.
Casting Call Allegations: Abuse Under the Guise of Modelling
In a separate lawsuit, two former models claim they were assaulted during a 2011 casting call at the Setai Hotel in Miami. The models, auditioning to appear on A&F shopping bags, allege that Jeffries and Smith sexually abused them after questioning their sexuality.
The men were later invited to Jeffries’ home in the Hamptons under the guise of finalising their A&F contracts. However, they claim they were raped and coerced into unwanted sexual acts. One of the models alleges that after rejecting a $6,000 offer for sex, Jeffries assaulted him when he tried to leave.
The men were reportedly forced to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before being allowed to return to New York.
Related: Abercrombie & Fitch Cuts Ties with Former CEO Amid Shocking Sex Trafficking Allegations
Related: Former Abercrombie CEO Faces $10 Million Bond in Shocking Sex Trafficking Investigation
Class Action Lawsuit Gaining Momentum
Brad Edwards, a leading civil trial lawyer, is representing 26 alleged victims and is seeking class action status to allow multiple survivors to sue collectively. Edwards believes the number of victims could exceed 100 men, and many are now cooperating with authorities.
Attorney Jared Scotto is also representing more than a dozen men preparing to file lawsuits, including some who were A&F employees during Jeffries’ tenure.
“There’s strength in numbers,” Edwards said, noting that more men came forward after Jeffries’ arrest in October.
Criminal Case Expands as Victim Count Grows
US prosecutors have identified 15 victims in the criminal case against Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson. However, the investigation is ongoing, and this number is expected to grow as more potential witnesses come forward.
A 2023 BBC documentary and podcast exposed the alleged sex trafficking network, revealing a highly organised operation that recruited young men for sex across the US, Europe, and North Africa. The documentary was the catalyst for the investigation that led to the arrests.
Abercrombie & Fitch Under Fire for Negligence
A&F is also facing legal action for alleged negligence in facilitating Jeffries’ actions. Plaintiffs claim the company knowingly ignored the abuse, allowing Jeffries to exploit his position for decades.
Although A&F did not respond to recent requests for comment, the company previously stated it was “appalled and disgusted” by the allegations and insisted it had no knowledge of the alleged misconduct before the BBC’s investigation in 2023.
In response to the scandal, A&F launched an independent investigation and suspended $1 million in annual retirement payments to Jeffries.
Legal Battles and Mounting Costs
A court recently ruled that A&F must cover Jeffries’ legal fees in both the criminal and civil cases, a bill that could run into millions of dollars. This decision has added financial pressure on the company as it distances itself from its former CEO.
Survivors Speak Out: Breaking the Silence
Attorneys representing the survivors, Eric M. Baum and Adriana Alcalde, highlighted the difficulties male survivors face when coming forward.
“Survivors may struggle for years to process what happened to them. Seeing others share their stories can reduce feelings of shame and embarrassment, serving as a catalyst for seeking justice,” they said.
With more survivors finding the courage to speak out, the case against Jeffries is growing stronger.
A Reckoning for Jeffries and A&F
As Mike Jeffries, Matthew Smith, and James Jacobson prepare for trial, the scope of the allegations continues to expand. The legal battle has not only tarnished Jeffries’ legacy but has also raised serious concerns about A&F’s corporate culture and accountability.
With class action lawsuits and ongoing criminal investigations, this case is likely to set a precedent for holding powerful individuals and corporations accountable for systemic abuse.
