“Allegations of Exploitation Surrounding Abercrombie & Fitch’s Former CEO, Mike Jeffries”

In a shocking revelation, a recent BBC Panorama investigation titled “The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool” has exposed disturbing allegations involving Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, during the brand’s heydays in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Jeffries, who took the helm at Abercrombie & Fitch in 1992, was instrumental in transforming the struggling company into a global brand synonymous with sex appeal, featuring shirtless male models and provocative advertising campaigns. However, he was equally known for his controversial statements and policies, openly stating that he only wanted “cool” and “attractive” individuals to wear the brand’s clothes while allegedly discriminating against employees based on their appearance, race, or sexual orientation.

The BBC investigation alleges that Matthew Smith, a British interior designer, was involved in these operations. Jeffries stepped down as CEO in 2014 amidst declining sales, receiving a retirement package worth around $25 million. Now, he faces grave accusations of sexual exploitation involving men who claim to have been recruited through a middleman named James Jacobson. Jacobson is alleged to have targeted young men, many of them aspiring models or actors, with promises of career opportunities facilitated by Jeffries and Smith.

The disturbing allegations go further, suggesting that these young men were paid to attend sex events hosted by Jeffries and Smith in their New York residences and luxury hotels worldwide. The BBC interviewed a dozen men who described attending or organizing these events between 2009 and 2015. Eight of them disclosed feeling harmed, with some alleging coercion, manipulation, or abuse at the hands of Jeffries and Smith. They claimed to have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements and given Abercrombie & Fitch gift cards to wear the brand’s clothing.

Perhaps one of the most troubling accounts came from aspiring model David Bradberry, who, in 2010, claimed he was introduced to Jacobson as the gatekeeper to Abercrombie’s executives. Bradberry’s disturbing revelation detailed Jacobson’s explicit demand for sexual favors in exchange for access to the company’s official photographer. Bradberry expressed feeling coerced and manipulated, believing that such exploitation was the norm in the industry. After the encounter, Jacobson allegedly provided him with $500.

The gravity of these allegations has prompted two former US prosecutors to review the BBC’s evidence, calling for an investigation to determine whether Jeffries and Smith could be charged with sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is defined as getting an adult to travel to another state or country for sexual activities in exchange for money, using force, fraud, or coercion.

As the allegations swirl, both Jeffries and Smith have remained silent, failing to respond to the BBC’s requests for comment. Meanwhile, James Jacobson has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the men involved were fully aware of the events’ nature.

Abercrombie & Fitch, in response to these disturbing claims, has expressed deep dismay and revulsion, distancing itself from the alleged behavior. The brand now faces not only potential damage to its reputation but also the need to address the serious allegations surrounding its former CEO and the events that transpired under his leadership.

The unfolding story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the corporate world, shedding light on a dark chapter in the history of a once-iconic brand.