In a New York federal courtroom, Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, faced charges this week related to an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation. The 80-year-old fashion mogul, once a prominent figure in the teen retail industry, was arrested by the FBI following an extensive investigation spurred by the BBC podcast series The Abercrombie Guys, which uncovered evidence of a sophisticated global network involving recruiters and middlemen soliciting young men for sex.
Jeffries, who appeared in court with a subdued demeanor, was charged alongside his British partner, Matthew Smith, 61, and middleman James Jacobson. U.S. prosecutors allege that from at least 2008 to 2015, the trio used force, fraud, and coercion to compel men into engaging in violent and exploitative sexual acts. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
During the hearing, Jeffries sat with his shoulders slumped and expressionless as his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty. Smith, currently considered a flight risk, has not yet appeared in court and remains detained pending trial.
The investigation into Jeffries began in January 2021 when BBC journalist and podcaster Barrett Pall, a former model, shared his experiences of abuse in the industry. Pall’s revelations led to an inquiry into allegations of sexual exploitation against male models, sparking a two-year investigation by BBC’s investigative team.
Pall described harrowing experiences, including being recruited by an older model to meet a mysterious middleman, later identified as Jacobson. According to Pall, he was subjected to a disturbing “tryout” before being sent to Jeffries and Smith, who allegedly hosted lavish sex parties at their Hamptons estate.
In an effort to gather evidence, the investigative team traveled across the United States, interviewing former models and those associated with Jeffries. The process was challenging, with many men reluctant to speak due to fears of retribution from Jeffries’ powerful network. Some even accused the investigator of being a “spy” for Jeffries, given his influence and wealth.
A significant breakthrough occurred when Pall recovered data from an old iPad, revealing itineraries and flight tickets connected to the alleged sex parties, which helped substantiate the investigation.
As the story unfolded, the extent of the operation’s secrecy became evident, with Jeffries allegedly employing a full-service security firm to oversee non-disclosure agreements and intimidate potential whistleblowers.
Over 20 men who attended or facilitated events for Jeffries and Smith shared their experiences, many expressing feelings of shame and silence surrounding the abuse they faced. One man, referred to as Alex, recounted a traumatic incident at a lavish gathering in Marrakesh, alleging he was drugged and raped, which he believed led to him contracting HIV. “Jeffries was the kingpin,” he stated, underscoring the powerful role Jeffries played in the operation.
As the court case progresses, the allegations against Jeffries and his associates have brought renewed attention to the exploitation of male models in the fashion industry. The outcome remains uncertain, but the investigation highlights the pervasive issues of power and abuse in the world of fashion.
