Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and More Prominent Businessmen Arrested For Sex-Trafficking

A Class-Action Lawsuit Brings Allegations to Light

The charges against Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson come in the wake of a class-action lawsuit filed last year in New York. The suit alleges that Jeffries, during his 22-year tenure at Abercrombie & Fitch, operated a secret sex-trafficking ring that preyed on young male models. The plaintiffs in the case, including lead plaintiff David Bradberry, claim they were lured to parties under the guise of professional opportunities. Bradberry, an aspiring model at the time, said he “didn’t feel safe to say ‘no’ or ‘I don’t feel comfortable with this’” due to the secluded nature of Jeffries’ Hamptons mansion and the presence of staff dressed in Abercrombie & Fitch uniforms.

“I’m grateful to my lawyers for believing in me and for the steadfast resolve of law enforcement,” Bradberry said in a statement on Tuesday. “I look forward to cooperating in the process to ensure those who harmed me and others are held accountable for what they did.”

A Network of Abuse

According to the indictment, Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson are accused of using Abercrombie’s modeling scouts to recruit young men under the guise of offering them high-profile modeling opportunities. Once recruited, these men were allegedly coerced into attending elaborate sex events hosted by Jeffries at his upscale residences or luxury hotels. The indictment identifies at least 15 victims, referred to as John Does #1-15, but the class-action suit claims there could be over 100 victims.

Jacobson, described as a middleman by accusers, reportedly traveled across the U.S. and internationally to recruit men for the so-called “sex events.” Prosecutors allege that during “tryouts” of potential candidates, Jacobson required the men to engage in sex acts with him before they could attend the parties.

Legal Response

Jeffries and his co-defendants have denied the allegations. In a statement, Jeffries’ lawyer, Brian Bieber, said, “We will respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse – not the media.” Jacobson’s lawyer, Jeremy Schneider, declined to comment, and a lawyer for Smith did not immediately respond to media requests.

The trio has been charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are expected to announce more details about the case. Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson will make appearances in court in Florida and Wisconsin before being brought to Long Island, New York, for their arraignment.

Abercrombie & Fitch’s Response

Abercrombie & Fitch, which Jeffries left in 2014, has distanced itself from the allegations. At the time of the BBC report, the company said it was “appalled and disgusted” by the claims. The brand, once known for its bare-chested young models and stores filled with cologne, was a major fixture in early 2000s teen mall culture. The company has since hired an outside law firm to conduct a review of the allegations tied to Jeffries’ tenure.

Victims Speak Out

The victims’ legal team, including Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, said in a statement, “All four of the defendants, including Abercrombie and Fitch, have tried everything possible to delay our lawsuit from proceeding, presumably because they knew it would lead to criminal arrests. Despite their efforts, the arrests happened anyway, and we are looking forward to cooperating with law enforcement to make sure that the criminal and civil justice systems are successful in this prosecution.”

Jeffries was widely credited for the rise of Abercrombie & Fitch’s popularity among teens during his tenure, but the shadow of these allegations now casts a dark cloud over his legacy at the brand.

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AATT Staff