Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries faces new allegations of sexual abuse by male models

New allegations emerge in BBC investigation

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), is facing new allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by eight male models. The claims, revealed by a BBC investigation, follow a report last year that accused Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, of exploiting young men at sex events between 2009 and 2015. The allegations are part of a lawsuit filed against Jeffries, Smith and A&F, which accuses them of “international sex trafficking and abuse of potential models.”

A photo shoot that ended in exploitation in Spain

One of the models who came forward described his experience at an event in Spain in 2011, which he thought was a photo shoot for the fashion brand. “It was like a film set in an Abercrombie store,” he told the BBC. The model, then 20, was offered the chance to appear in an A&F advert if he travelled from Los Angeles to Madrid to meet Jeffries. Upon arrival, he was paid €3,500 in cash, which he assumed was for running costs during his stay.

However, the event took a dark turn. The model claims that when he was taken to a hotel suite, Jeffries and Smith began touching him and Jeffries forcibly kissed him. The model claims that Jeffries then performed oral sex on him, despite his repeated attempts to refuse. “I tried to say no repeatedly. And then I just got convinced to do something. But I kept saying no and I wanted to go,” he shared with the BBC.

Allegations of drug use at events

The BBC investigation also uncovered disturbing reports from multiple witnesses that young men at these events were injected with liquid Viagra. One man, who attended a gathering at Jeffries’ New York home, described a terrifying experience after receiving an injection that left him feeling “hot and dizzy.” He believed he was “going to die” from the extreme reaction, but claimed no one called for medical help.

Mike Jeffries, now 80, has denied all allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct. An intermediary linked to the incident, who acted as a talent scout and executive assistant to Jeffries, also denied any wrongdoing and said participants were involved “with their eyes wide open.”

FBI investigation reportedly ongoing

Following the BBC revelations, the FBI reportedly launched an investigation into the allegations. However, law enforcement officials have declined to comment on the matter. Jeffries, who headed Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014, has maintained his innocence despite the mounting allegations.

As more models come forward, this case is likely to intensify, raising important questions about exploitation within the fashion industry and the role powerful figures like Jeffries may have played in it.