Kaylah Walton
Mike Jeffries, the ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is currently in the spotlight due to serious legal issues. He has been arrested on multiple charges involving sex trafficking. Two of his associates, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, have also been apprehended as part of the investigation led by authorities in the Eastern District of New York.
During his tenure from 1992 to 2014, Abercrombie & Fitch gained recognition for its bold marketing and exclusive branding, which appealed largely to young and attractive individuals. Jeffries attracted notoriety in 2006 for remarks made in a Salon interview, where he said, “We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong (in our clothes), and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.”
The brand faced backlash for its exclusivity, particularly as it struggled to connect with Gen Z in the 2010s. This dissatisfaction culminated in 2013 when a petition advocating for more inclusive sizes gathered close to 80,000 signatures, prompting the company to introduce plus sizes. By 2014, as the public celebrated his exit, Jeffries departed from the company amid rising demands for inclusivity.
Details of the sex trafficking accusations
Currently, Jeffries is under serious scrutiny due to an indictment alleging his involvement in a sex trafficking operation from December 2008 to March 2015. It is reported that he and his associates targeted aspiring male models, luring them with offers of drugs, alcohol, and even Viagra to engage in sexual activities at extravagant gatherings. “This unexpected twist is startling for someone who once represented youth fashion,” noted a source familiar with the situation.
Allegedly, the trio operated an international ring, dispatching young men to various hot spots, including the Hamptons and luxury hotels in Europe, to satisfy their sexual demands.
Jacobson is said to have played a vital part in the recruitment and interviewing process, often demanding candidates to engage in sex acts as a prerequisite before attending infamous “sex parties.” Some of the victims were as young as 19 and had connections to Abercrombie, either as prior employees or models aiming to enhance their careers.
As developments progress, Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, commented, “We will formally address the allegations once the indictment is public, and at the appropriate time, but intend to do so in court rather than in the media.” This shocking situation highlights the dramatic fall from grace for the former esteemed CEO.
