Fresh Accusations Surface in BBC Investigation
Mike Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), is facing new allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation from eight male models. These claims, uncovered by a BBC investigation, come in the wake of an earlier report last year that accused Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, of exploiting young men at sex events between 2009 and 2015. The allegations are part of a lawsuit filed against Jeffries, Smith, and A&F, accusing them of “international sex trafficking and abuse of prospective models.”
A photoshoot turned exploitation in Spain
One of the models who came forward described his experience at an event in Spain in 2011, which he believed was a photoshoot for the fashion brand. “It was like a movie set of an Abercrombie store,” he told the BBC. At the time, the model was 20 years old and was offered an opportunity to feature in an A&F advertisement if he traveled from Los Angeles to Madrid to meet Jeffries. Upon arrival, he was paid €3,500 in cash, which he assumed was for general expenses during his stay.
However, the event took a darker turn. The model alleged that when he was brought to a hotel suite, Jeffries and Smith began touching him and Jeffries forcibly kissed him. The model claims Jeffries then performed oral sex on him, despite his repeated attempts to refuse. “I tried to say no repeatedly. And then I just got kind of convinced to do something. But I constantly was saying no, and I wanted to go,” he shared with the BBC.
Allegations of drug use at events
The BBC investigation also uncovered disturbing reports from multiple witnesses that young men were injected with liquid Viagra at these events. One man, who attended a gathering at Jeffries’ New York home, described a terrifying experience after receiving an injection that left him feeling “hot and dizzy.” He believed he was “going to die” from the extreme reaction but claimed no one called for medical assistance.
Mike Jeffries, now 80, has denied all allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct. A middleman linked to the events, who acted as a talent scout and executive assistant for Jeffries, also denied any wrongdoing, stating that participants were involved “with their eyes wide open.”
FBI investigation reportedly underway
Following the BBC’s revelations, the FBI reportedly launched an investigation into the allegations. However, law enforcement officials have declined to comment on the matter. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014, has continued to maintain his innocence in the face of these mounting accusations.
As more models come forward, this case is likely to intensify, raising significant questions about exploitation within the fashion industry and the role powerful figures like Jeffries may have played.
