Showing posts with label Mike Jeffries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike Jeffries. Show all posts

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Pleads Not Guilty to Sex Trafficking

SKY NEWS: Prosecutors say 15 men were induced by "force, fraud and coercion" to engage in drug-fuelled sex parties, in which they were sometimes directed to wear costumes, use sex toys, and consume alcohol and muscle relaxants.

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges.

The 80-year-old appeared at federal court in Central Islip, on Long Island, New York, to enter his plea.

He is due back in court on 12 December and is free on a $10m (£7.7m) bond.

It is alleged that for years Jeffries, his romantic partner Matthew Smith, and a third man, James Jacobson, lured men into taking part in sex parties by promising modelling for the clothing retailer.

Jacobson, 71, an employee of Jeffries, planned to plead not guilty, his lawyer said before today's hearing. » | Sky News | Friday, October 25, 2024

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool | BBC Select

Oct 12, 2023 | This documentary deals with sexual abuse.

Allegations of exploitation and abuse have emerged at one of the biggest fashion brands in the US. Former CEO Mike Jeffries transformed Abercrombie and Fitch from a failing retail chain to a multibillion-dollar empire and the epitome of cool.

Now, after months of painstaking investigation, reporter Rianna Croxford speaks to men who say they were recruited into a dark world, created to satisfy the sexual fantasies of Mike Jeffries and his British partner Matthew Smith.

Silenced for years by the fear of breaking non-disclosure agreements, these men describe feeling exploited and traumatized by their experience. One high-profile American lawyer has called for prosecutors to investigate.



Watch The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC Select in the US: here.

ABC News: Ex- Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Charged with Sex Trafficking over a Dozen Alleged Victims

Oct 23, 2024 | Mike Jeffries, who stepped down from Abercrombie in 2014, is accused of trafficking and sexually abusing more than a dozen young men around the world, many of them aspiring models.

What Led to Ex-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries' Sex Trafficking Charges?

Oct 23, 2024 | The former CEO of clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has been arrested on federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges. Mike Jeffries, his partner and a third associate are accused of recruiting young men under the guise of modeling opportunities and coercing them to perform sex acts. BBC News investigations correspondent Rianna Croxford breaks down the case.

BREAKING: Ex-Abercrombie & Finch CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges | BBC News

Oct 22, 2024 | The former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) and his British partner have been arrested and are facing sex trafficking charges. Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and the couple’s alleged middleman were arrested on Tuesday morning.

The FBI and prosecutor's office have given a press conference explaining the details of the charges. Lawyers for Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith have both previously denied any wrongdoing by both men. Responding to the latest news, Mr Jeffries' lawyer told the BBC: "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." A lawyer for Mr Smith has been approached for new comment. A&F declined to comment on the latest developments.

The FBI opened an investigation last year after the BBC revealed claims that Mike Jeffries and his partner sexually exploited and abused men at events they hosted in their New York residences and hotels around the world.

A BBC investigation found there was a sophisticated operation involving a middleman and network of recruiters tasked with recruiting men for the events. Following the BBC’s reporting, a civil lawsuit was filed in New York accusing Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith of sex-trafficking, rape and sexual assault.