Abercrombie’s Mike Jeffries Linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s Controversial Network

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has surfaced in the headlines once again, this time due to alarming revelations linking him to the notorious Jeffrey Epstein, who faced multiple abuse allegations. In a shocking indictment, Jeffries, alongside his partner Matt Smith, is accused of exploiting young male models over a seven-year period, from 2008 to 2015.

The 80-year-old Jeffries’ connection to Epstein is particularly notable, given that he was appointed by Les Wexner, a prominent billionaire and Epstein’s main financial patron, in 1992. Wexner had infamously granted Epstein power of attorney over his personal finances years prior, demonstrating a close affinity between the two. Following Epstein’s 2019 death while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, further scrutiny has emerged regarding his network of associates.

According to prosecutors, the abusive activities surrounding Jeffries reportedly included deceiving aspiring models into believing they would receive modeling opportunities at Abercrombie in exchange for compliance with sexual demands. The indictment outlines disturbing claims of sexual exploitation, including instances where some victims, misled by Jacobson—another individual involved—were allegedly pressured to engage in sexual acts that were framed as audition “tryouts.”

The investigation into this alleged misconduct was ignited by a lawsuit filed in 2023 against Jeffries and his co-defendants. Prosecutors state that the manipulation included a “referral system” rewarding models for recruiting others, compelling some to lie about the nature of their meetings to gain these alleged benefits. In a distressing twist, the indictment claims that these young men underwent various humiliation tactics, including being ordered to wear costumes and change their appearances as part of the abhorrent exploitation scheme.

Amid the mounting allegations, Brittany Henderson, an attorney representing some victims, articulated the significance of the legal actions taken, emphasizing a commitment to seeking justice on behalf of the aspiring models victimized by this behavior. Despite the serious allegations, Jeffries and Smith maintain their innocence, while Abercrombie & Fitch asserts it is conducting an internal investigation to examine these shocking claims.

This evolving story has drawn attention not just because of the allegations against Jeffries, but also due to the broader implications surrounding the culture at Abercrombie & Fitch during Jeffries’ tenure, particularly following the critical lens through which the brand has recently been scrutinized, notably highlighted in the 2022 Netflix documentary exploring its controversial rise and fall.

As the legal proceedings continue, eyes remain fixed on how this unsettling narrative will unfold and what it means for those seeking redress in a system that has protected powerful individuals for far too long.