Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. The plea was entered in a New York federal court, alongside his alleged middleman, James Jacobson, who also pleaded not guilty. Federal prosecutors accuse Jeffries, his British-American partner Matthew Smith, and Jacobson of using coercion and fraud to engage in abusive acts with young men between 2008 and 2015. An FBI probe was initiated following a BBC investigation that uncovered numerous allegations of abuse involving Jeffries and Smith.
During the brief court hearing, Jeffries was placed under house arrest, restricted to traveling only for specific reasons like medical appointments and legal consultations. He secured his release by posting a $10 million bond, using his New York residence as collateral, a decision agreed upon by his wife, Susan. The indictment lists 15 unnamed victims, and the charges carry potential life sentences if the men are convicted of sex trafficking.
According to the allegations, Jeffries and Smith orchestrated a sophisticated operation involving Jacobson, who recruited men for events hosted by the couple. These events allegedly took place in locations across New York and other international sites, where victims were pressured to consume substances like alcohol, Viagra, and muscle relaxants. The events, often guarded by security staff, were portrayed as opportunities in the fashion industry, but quickly turned exploitative.
The BBC’s investigation revealed testimony from 12 men who described their experiences or involvement in organizing these events. Some claimed they were given injections of what they were told was liquid Viagra. The accusations have prompted Abercrombie & Fitch to launch an independent inquiry into the matter. Jeffries, who led A&F from 1992 to 2014, is set for another court appearance on December 12.
Mike Jeffries served as the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014, where he was known for transforming the brand into a global retail phenomenon. Under his leadership, A&F became known for its distinctive marketing style, which targeted young, affluent consumers with a blend of exclusivity and controversy. However, Jeffries’ tenure was also marked by criticism over the brand’s image and employment practices, including a focus on physical appearance in hiring. His departure in 2014 followed a decline in sales and mounting pressure from changing consumer attitudes.
Jeffries was known for his meticulous control over A&F’s image, from store layout and lighting to the hiring of staff. The brand’s image was built around a sense of youthful aspiration, often using semi-nude models in its advertising and promoting a “cool, preppy” lifestyle. Despite A&F’s initial success under his direction, the brand’s exclusionary marketing eventually led to backlash, with critics accusing it of promoting elitism. This negative perception contributed to declining sales and Jeffries stepping down.
Post-resignation, Jeffries largely remained out of the public eye until the recent allegations of misconduct surfaced. These accusations have brought renewed attention to his controversial past, adding a darker chapter to his legacy in the fashion industry. The charges against him mark a significant shift from his high-profile career, casting a shadow over the brand he once led and the reputation he built during his time at A&F.
