Abercrombie & Fitch’s former CEO faces new sex abuse allegations

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of the American fashion brand, Abercrombie & Fitch, is facing renewed allegations of exploitation and abuse at sex events held around the world.

According to a BBC Panorama investigation in October of last year, Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, allegedly exploited young men for sex in cities such as London, Madrid, and New York City between 2009 and 2015. A middleman linked to the events denied any misconduct, asserting that the men participated “with their eyes wide open.”

However, the new allegations include claims of forced sexual acts, drugging, and coercion.

Eight more men have come forward to the BBC, detailing their experiences at these events. Some witnesses allege being injected with liquid Viagra and coerced into participating in sexual acts. A model alleged he was offered an Abercrombie & Fitch ad role in exchange for meeting Jeffries in Madrid, where he claims he was assaulted.

The model, who was 20 at the time, claims he was led into Jeffries’ hotel suite, where the former fashion store executive forcibly kissed him. He recounted, “I repeatedly tried to say no. Eventually, I was persuaded to do something, but I kept saying no and wanted to leave.” He further alleged that Jeffries performed oral sex on him, according to the BBC.

A legal filing on Smith’s behalf reportedly argued that the claim “lacks specific, factual details” of any alleged sexual offence by him. Last year, Abercrombie & Fitch announced it had hired a legal firm to conduct an independent investigation. The company stated that its current board of directors had no prior knowledge of the allegations and reaffirmed its “zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or discrimination of any kind.”

Jeffries, 80, who led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014, has denied all allegations. However, the BBC‘s investigation and the subsequent lawsuits have raised serious questions about the company’s culture and the conduct of its former CEO.

The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office are reportedly investigating the claims right after the BBC‘s initial report, but enforcement officials have declined to comment.

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