Ex-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested in Sex Trafficking Probe Involving Young Men

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested in Sex Trafficking Investigation

In a shocking turn of events, Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, has found himself embroiled in a sex trafficking scandal that has sent ripples through the fashion industry. The 80-year-old mogul was taken into custody on October 22, alongside his partner Matt Smith and another associate named Jim Jacobson, as authorities investigate serious allegations of sexual exploitation involving young male models at lavish parties.

The allegations against Jeffries aren’t new; they surface a year after claims were made in a civil lawsuit alleging the exploitation of male models from 2008 to 2015. The indictment, filed in New York, details a disturbing pattern of behavior wherein Jeffries and Smith reportedly engaged in sexual acts with aspiring models, while Jacobson was accused of actively recruiting these young men both domestically and internationally.

According to the prosecution, Jacobson’s recruitment methods were particularly alarming, involving what was referred to as a “tryout” where models were required to perform sexual acts on him before they could engage with Jeffries and Smith. This warped “referral system” incentivized models to bring in more young men, promising them modeling opportunities with Abercrombie that never materialized, often under the threat of ruining their careers.

The indictment paints a grim picture of parties organized by Jeffries and his associates, which included hired security and bizarre mandates for attendees. Models were reportedly expected to wear costumes and utilize sex toys while being subjected to various drugs to facilitate sexual encounters—actions meticulously planned to manipulate their compliance.

Furthermore, these alleged gatherings were shrouded in secrecy, as attendees were forbidden from bringing phones, and non-disclosure agreements were imposed, ensuring that their experiences remained hidden from the public eye. Victims described a lack of freedom during these events, unable to leave until Jeffries and Smith deemed the evening complete.

Brittany Henderson, an attorney representing the victims, expressed hope that today’s arrests would serve as a pivotal moment for the aspiring models who suffered at the hands of these men. She emphasized the ongoing struggle for justice, extending the call to hold Abercrombie and Fitch accountable for their role in enabling such predatory behavior.

This story is still unfolding, but it marks a significant chapter in the fight against sexual exploitation within the modeling industry. The implications of these revelations will likely resonate for some time as more details emerge.