Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), along with his partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson, has been arrested and charged with operating a prostitution and international sex trafficking business.
Federal prosecutors allege that the trio engaged in “violent and exploitive” sexual acts, using force, fraud, and coercion. Jeffries and Smith have denied any wrongdoing through their legal representation, with Jeffries’ lawyer stating they will respond in detail after the indictment is unsealed.
The investigations began last year when the BBC reported allegations of sexual exploitation of men during events hosted by Jeffries and Smith in their residences and in hotels worldwide. Details from the BBC investigation revealed a complex operation involving recruiters tasked with finding men for these events.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, asserted that Jeffries leveraged his wealth and influence as A&F’s CEO “to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his partner.” He detailed how the couple allegedly employed Jacobson to conduct “tryouts” where men were engaged in sexual acts in exchange for payment. Those approved would be flown to Jeffries’ New York home, where prosecutors claim they were pressured to consume alcohol, Viagra, and muscle relaxants.
Further allegations state that Jeffries and Smith would direct others or personally inject substances to induce arousal in men unwilling or unable to engage in sexual activities. Prosecutors noted that the operation involved a significant financial infrastructure, including travel, hotel accommodations, paid staff, and security.
Although the indictment mentions 15 known victims, prosecutors claim the operation affected “dozens and dozens of men.” Following a court appearance, Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson was granted release on a $500,000 bond. Smith was ordered to remain in custody.
Peace confirmed that authorities were initially alerted by media reports. In conjunction with this criminal case, a civil lawsuit has been filed in New York alleging Jeffries and Smith committed sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault, with claims that A&F funded these actions during Jeffries’ tenure.
Brad Edwards, a civil lawyer representing some alleged victims, described the arrests as a critical step toward justice for those exploited by this operation, attributing the outcomes to the thorough investigative work of the BBC.
The BBC’s investigation included interviews with 12 men who attended or organized events involving sexual acts for Jeffries and Smith between 2009 and 2015. Some men reported being misled about the events or not informed that they involved sex. Others, while aware, did not fully understand what was expected of them. All men reported receiving compensation, and several mentioned modeling opportunities presented by recruiters.
David Bradberry, an aspiring model at the time, recounted feeling pressured to comply with demands, stating he understood meeting Jeffries involved sexual acts. He described a party at Jeffries’ mansion where the environment and the presence of A&F staff made him feel unsafe voicing discomfort.
Following the initial revelations, A&F announced an investigation into the claims. The company has since declined to comment on ongoing legal matters but asserts that it was unaware of the alleged activities led by Jeffries and condemns any misconduct.
Jeffries stepped down as CEO in 2014 amid declining sales, leaving with a compensation package valued at approximately $25 million. He was known for a controversial tenure marked by accusations of discrimination and lavish expenses linked to his life partner, Matthew Smith.
Credit: BBC News
