More than 40 men have come forward with allegations of rape, sexual assault, and drugging against former Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) CEO Mike Jeffries.
The accusations span decades, dating back to the 1990s, and include claims from both former models and A&F employees. Jeffries, who was charged with sex trafficking in October 2023, is also facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging he exploited young men under the guise of modeling opportunities.
The latest claims are suggesting that Jeffries and his British partner, Matthew Smith, orchestrated a highly organized operation to recruit young men for sex across the US, Europe, and North Africa. Many of the alleged victims say they were approached with promises of modeling jobs, only to be sexually assaulted or coerced into illegal activities.
Jeffries, now 80, is under house arrest and has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. His partner, Smith, and their middleman, James Jacobson, also face charges and could receive life sentences if convicted.
Abercrombie & Fitch Now Under Investigation
A&F is being sued for negligence, with lawsuits claiming the company knowingly facilitated Jeffries’ alleged crimes. The lawsuits argue that A&F failed to protect its employees and models, prioritizing profits over accountability.
The company, which also owns the Hollister brand, has stated it was “appalled and disgusted” by Jeffries’ alleged behavior. A&F has since launched an independent investigation and suspended Jeffries’ $1 million annual retirement payments.
Meanwhile, Civil trial lawyer Brad Edwards is representing 26 alleged victims in a lawsuit seeking class action status. Edwards believes more than 100 men could be victims overall, with many coming forward after Jeffries’ arrest.
Attorney Jared Scotto is also representing over a dozen men, including former A&F employees, who are planning legal action. Scotto emphasized that the allegations reveal a “larger nefarious scheme” that exploited vulnerable young men.
The Detailed Allegations from Mike Jeffries’ Victims
Two recent lawsuits filed in New York detail harrowing accounts from alleged victims. Brandon Steele and Joseph Sterling claim they were assaulted multiple times after being pressured to take illegal narcotics and subjected to invasive procedures.
Another lawsuit involves two former models who allege they were assaulted during a casting call at Miami’s Setai Hotel in 2011. One model claims Jeffries raped him after questioning his sexuality and offering him an A&F campaign deal.
Attorneys Eric M. Baum and Adriana Alcalde, who are representing the two models, have described the difficulties male survivors face in coming forward.
In their words;
“Survivors may struggle for years to process what happened to them. Seeing others share their stories can reduce feelings of shame and embarrassment, serving as a catalyst for seeking justice,” they said.
