Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested On Sex Trafficking Charges

Abercrombie & Fitch’s former CEO Mike Jeffries was always known for pushing boundaries.

For the longest time, the iconic brand was synonymous with a very specific image: chiseled male models shirtless at the entrance of their stores and stunning women who appeared runway ready.

Growing up, A&F was the brand that all the popular kids and teens wore despite the retailer's provocative ads. Jeffries remained unfazed by the criticism he received for his provocative marketing strategies. However, it was only a matter of time before public opinion turned, and the former CEO was slammed for his oversexualized campaigns, accused of body shaming, and faced allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. After 11 consecutive quarters of decline in sales, Jeffries stepped down in 2014.

Fast forward to 2022, when Jeffries faced backlash following a two-year BBC investigation that revealed he and his partner, Matthew Smith, allegedly sexually exploited young male models under the guise of providing them with modeling opportunities. Akin to the P. Diddy allegations, the investigation uncovered what’s been described as a “well-oiled machine” that facilitated sex events.

Mike Jeffries Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges

Jeffries was finally arrested this week on sex trafficking charges, as reported by multiple sources. The indictment from the Eastern District of New York outlines more than a dozen counts against Jeffries and his associates. From December 2008 to March 2015, they were accused of running a scheme to recruit aspiring models for sex-themed parties, where drugs, alcohol, and Viagra were reportedly provided to facilitate sexual acts.

Alongside Jeffries, Smith and James Jacobson, another associate, were also arrested. Prosecutors claim that this trio operated an international sex trafficking enterprise aimed at fulfilling their sick sexual desires.

Jacobson allegedly played a crucial role in recruiting and interviewing young men for these so-called “tryouts,” which involved sexual activities, often without full disclosure of what was expected of the participants. With the arrests occurring earlier today, Jeffries and Smith are set to appear in federal court this afternoon in Florida, while Jacobson faces charges in Minnesota.

The financial world faced significant turmoil with the revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, followed by the music industry grappling with the serious allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs. Now, the fashion sector is embroiled in its own scandal with Jeffries' arrest.

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