Ex-CEO Of Abercrombie & Fitch Faces Allegations Of Exploiting Men For Sex
The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, and his British partner, Matthew Smith, are facing allegations of exploitation concerning men recruited for sex events hosted globally.
A comprehensive BBC investigation uncovered a well-organized network that utilized an intermediary, identified as James Jacobson, to locate young men for these events.
Eight men who attended these events reported to the BBC that they had experienced exploitation or abuse.
Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith have not responded to requests for comment.
Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), which owns the Hollister brand, expressed its shock and disgust regarding the alleged behavior.
Two former US prosecutors who independently reviewed documents and testimonies obtained by the BBC have called for an investigation to determine if charges related to sex trafficking could be filed. Under US law, sex trafficking encompasses coercing adults to travel to another state or country to engage in sex for money.
Mike Jeffries played a pivotal role in transforming A&F into a multi-billion-dollar teen retailer by emphasizing sex appeal during the 1990s and early 2000s. The brand featured shirtless male store models and provocative advertisements.
Once one of America’s highest-paid CEOs, Jeffries faced controversies over alleged staff discrimination, extravagant expenses, and concerns about the influence of his life partner, Matthew Smith, within A&F. Jeffries stepped down in 2014 due to declining sales, departing with a retirement package valued at approximately $25 million, according to company filings at the time.
The BBC’s investigation has revealed allegations that Jeffries exploited young adult men for sex at events held in his New York residences and upscale hotels worldwide, including London, Paris, Venice, and Marrakesh. Over a span of two decades, from the 1990s to the 2010s, Jeffries and Smith were involved in events featuring sex acts, according to interviews with 12 individuals conducted as part of the investigation.