Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of the fashion powerhouse Abercrombie & Fitch, has reportedly been arrested over accusations of s*x trafficking and interstate pr*stitution of young men in the fashion industry. The crimes are reported to have been committed between December 2008 and March 2015.
The former fashion executive and his partner Mathew Smith allegedly made promises to young male newcomers for a modeling career that does not exist. The men were highly exploited and abused, both mentally and s*xually, using various high-end manipulation tactics, force, or coercion.
Their middleman, James Jacobson who was the recruiter for the so-called 'modelling assignments' is also allegedly involved in the trafficking. He was in charge of auditioning the men in exchange for money.
Mike Jeffries has previously been scrutinized for a 2006 Salon interview, where he remarked:
“In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids. Candidly, we go after the cool kids. 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.”
Disclaimer: The following article consists of details related to s*x trafficking and s*xual abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries' arrest: Details explained
Former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, Mike Jeffries, and his romantic partner Mathew Smith were allegedly operating an international s*x trafficking and pr*stitution business racket. The duo highly funded and organized it using their vast financial resources and power. They even appointed a manager for their company, James Jacobson.
The federal court of the U.S. has charged the duo, alongside Jacobson, with s*x trafficking within the state as well as internationally, with 15 counts of interstate prostitution, intimidation, and covering up of evidence.
Mike Jefferies pleaded not guilty
After pleading not guilty, Mike Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond later that day. His release is conditional, as he will be under electronic monitoring and home confinement and will not be allowed contact with the alleged victims, co-defendants, and witnesses. His next court hearing is December 12.
Jacobson was released on a $5,00,000 bond, and Smith has been kept in detention. All the felons are to be produced before the federal court on Friday.
Jeffries' attorney, Brian Beiber, said,
“We will respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse – not the media,”
However, the U.S lawyer, Breon Peace, during a press conference on this case, stated,
“Powerful individuals for too long have trafficked and abused, for their own s*xual pleasure, young people with few resources and a dream – the dream of securing a successful career in fashion or entertainment."
Jacobson reportedly recruited the victims
Jacobson was reportedly responsible for searching and hiring men for such acts. He allegedly targeted young and financially vulnerable men who wanted to make it big in the fashion industry. The youngest reported victim of their felony is a 19-year-old boy who was an aspiring model.
The men were allegedly lured to 'audition' for modeling roles. They were either immediately disclosed of the nature of their job in exchange for money, or it was kept beneath a semblance until much later. Sources claim that the victims were made to sign non-disclosure agreements. They were then supervised by a team of men who were hired to keep a keen eye on the victims, intimidate them if need be, and ensure that everything was kept a secret.
Reports claim that the victims traveled internationally, including their private residences in the Hamptons, New York City, and various lavish hotels in the city and across other countries such as France, England, Italy, Morocco, and Saint Barthélémy.
The victims reportedly participated in 's*x events' and in s*xual acts with Jeffries, Smith, and others. Alcohol, drugs, and muscle relaxants known as 'poppers' were used along with er*ction-inducing substances such as v*agra.
According to the indictment, the victims were made to consume those substances at will, or they were given to them by force through injections. Once under the influence of the substance, they were heavily abused by engaging in coerced violent acts of s*x.
The men were allegedly made to wear costumes, use certain s*x toys, and prepare for certain kinds of s*xual acts before the s*x parties were organized at their household. The injections used caused severe after-effects, such as physical pain or discomfort and nausea.
How were the accusations sustained?
The charges surfaced in 2023 when a BBC investigation alleged that Mike Jeffries and his partner Mathew Smith have been exploiting young men. However, due to a lack of evidence, no arrests were made. Since then, a lot of young men have come forward to press charges against the duo with similar claims.
Eventually, the FBI and federal prosecutors in the U.S. carried out various criminal investigations that gathered evidence and information on the alleged crimes. More than a dozen victims came forward, and finally, the arrests were made on Tuesday.
Jefferies served as the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch between 1992 and 2014. The fashion house Abercrombie & Fitch also previously condemned such acts and commented:
“As we shared when the accusations were first made public in October 2023, we are appalled and disgusted by the alleged behavior of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended nearly ten years ago,”
They had further added,
“For close to a decade, we have successfully transformed our brands and culture into the values-driven organization we are today. We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or discrimination of any kind, and are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement as the legal process continues.”
Many people took to social media to condemn the felony, while various news and broadcasting channels sensationalized the news:
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The U.S. attorney has greatly appreciated and encouraged the victims to come forward and report the crime. The prosecution believes there are "dozens and dozens of men."
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