Mike Jeffries, the former CEO who transformed Abercrombie & Fitch into a global sensation, now faces serious criminal charges for sex trafficking and prostitution, casting a shadow over his legacy. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have unveiled a 16-count indictment, accusing the once-powerful executive and two associates of exploiting dozens of young men under the guise of promising modeling opportunities. This comes a decade after Jeffries’ departure from the retail giant, which became infamous for its provocative branding.
According to prosecutors, Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, lured men to locations across the globe—ranging from New York’s Hamptons to luxury hotels in Europe and the Caribbean—where they were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse. James Jacobson, also implicated, is accused of recruiting the men, some as young as 19, under the pretense of “tryouts.”
The scheme, exposed after a BBC investigation and class-action lawsuit, paints a disturbing picture of a secretive operation that involved non-disclosure agreements, “poppers,” and other props. The indictment highlights how Jeffries and Smith, using Jeffries’ influence and wealth, concealed the abuse while maintaining a powerful public image.
Though Abercrombie & Fitch itself was not implicated, the accusations have shaken the company, which has distanced itself from its former leader, calling the revelations shocking and appalling. As the legal battles unfold, Jeffries and his co-defendants could face life sentences if convicted of the sex trafficking charges, with additional penalties for interstate prostitution.
This marks a dramatic and dark chapter in the story of the fashion mogul once known for turning a brand into a cultural icon, now facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.
