A shocking revelation has rocked the fashion industry. Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, 80, along with his romantic partner, Matthew Smith, and business associate James Jacobson, has been arrested for their alleged involvement in a global sex trafficking ring using male models, according to federal prosecutors.
The trio faces charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, accused of organizing a nefarious operation under the guise of high-end modeling opportunities.
A Sinister Scheme Behind Glamorous Facades
Jeffries once heralded for transforming Abercrombie & Fitch into a fashion powerhouse, now stands accused of orchestrating a massive, secretive network for his own gain. The indictment paints a damning picture: Jeffries and Smith allegedly used Jacobson, along with a “secret staff” of employees, contractors, and security professionals, to recruit men into a dark underworld. Prosecutors say the recruits were lured with false promises of lucrative modeling contracts, only to be coerced into sexual acts.
“To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using this so-called casting couch system, this case should serve as a warning: prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison,” said Breon Peace.
The indictment alleges that the secret staff maintained events where the alleged victims were provided drugs and alcohol to make it easier to coerce them into sexual activity. The elaborate operation reportedly required millions of dollars to maintain secrecy, lasting from at least 2008 until 2015.
Abercrombie’s Dark Chapter
Peace revealed that Jeffries, during his tenure as CEO from 1992 to 2014, leveraged his “power, his wealth, and his influence to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his romantic partner, Smith.” The operation extended across continents, with sex events taking place in New York, London, and Venice, prosecutors said.
Victims were allegedly told that non-compliance with sexual demands could jeopardize their modeling careers. Some were flown to Jeffries’ properties in the Hamptons or hotels around the world, where they were subjected to violent sexual contact. The indictment claims Smith personally selected some of the men and ensured they signed nondisclosure agreements before engaging in commercial sex.
Brave Voices Shed Light
Brad Edwards, a civil attorney representing some of the alleged victims, praised the arrests as a pivotal move toward justice: “These arrests are a huge first step towards obtaining justice for the many victims who were exploited and abused through this sex trafficking scheme that operated for many years under the legitimate cover Abercrombie provided.”
According to Peace, there are currently 15 identified victims, though he believes there are “dozens and dozens” more yet to come forward. The recruitment efforts, allegedly spearheaded by Jacobson, involved traveling domestically and internationally to identify potential victims, some of whom were coerced into having sex with Jacobson before being introduced to Jeffries and Smith.
Peace acknowledged the bravery of the survivors in bringing this case to light: “Prosecutions like this are really impossible without the bravery of victims who are willing to report what happened to them to law enforcement.”
Abercrombie Responds
The disturbing allegations first surfaced in 2023, prompting Abercrombie & Fitch to release a statement condemning the claims. The company said it was “appalled and disgusted” and hired an external law firm to investigate the accusations.
Mike Jeffries, who built Abercrombie & Fitch into a global success, faces a dramatically different legacy now. Federal prosecutors emphasize the systematic abuse of power, stating that Abercrombie “knowingly and intentionally benefited” from Jeffries’ activities, profiting off the brand image he cultivated, which included the “oversexualization of young men,” as former reality TV crewman David Bradberry described it.
Brian Bieber, an attorney for Jeffries, stated his client’s legal team would respond to the allegations appropriately and in court, rather than through the media. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with federal authorities urging more victims to step forward.
