Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), along with his British partner Matthew Smith and an alleged middleman, was arrested on sex trafficking charges on Tuesday morning. The arrests followed an investigation by the FBI, which was prompted by allegations reported by the BBC concerning Jeffries and Smith’s involvement in sexually exploiting men during events hosted at their New York residences and hotels worldwide.
The FBI and the prosecutor’s office are expected to provide further details in a press conference later today. Both Jeffries and Smith have previously denied any wrongdoing. In response to the latest developments, Jeffries’ lawyer stated, “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.” Efforts to obtain comments from Smith’s attorney have not yet yielded results, and A&F has declined to comment on the situation.
The investigation into Jeffries began after the BBC uncovered a complex operation involving a middleman and a network of recruiters tasked with luring men to events that were allegedly sexual in nature. A civil lawsuit filed in New York accuses Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. The lawsuit claims that A&F funded this trafficking operation during Jeffries’ two-decade tenure as CEO.
Under U.S. law, sex trafficking involves forcing, fraudulently coercing, or deceiving adults into traveling for sexual acts. Brad Edwards, a civil attorney representing some alleged victims, confirmed the arrests and described them as a critical step toward justice for those exploited by the scheme, which operated under the guise of A&F’s legitimacy. “The unprecedented reporting of the BBC, coupled with the lawsuit our firm filed detailing the operation, are to credit for these monumental arrests,” he said.
The BBC investigation included interviews with 12 men who attended or organized events involving sex acts for Jeffries and Smith between 2009 and 2015. Many men claimed they were misled about the nature of these events, with some stating they were unaware that sex was involved. Others reported that they understood sexual acts were expected but felt pressured to comply.
David Bradberry, a former aspiring model, recounted being informed that he would only meet Jeffries if he performed oral sex on the middleman. He later attended a party at Jeffries’ mansion, where he claimed the presence of A&F staff made him feel unsafe to refuse any advances.
Following the BBC’s initial investigation, A&F announced an independent inquiry into the allegations. When asked for updates on the inquiry’s status, the company did not respond.
A&F has attempted to dismiss the civil lawsuit, asserting it had no knowledge of any sex trafficking operation led by its former CEO. Earlier this year, a U.S. court ruled that A&F must cover the legal defense costs for Jeffries as he continues to contest the civil allegations.
Jeffries resigned as CEO in 2014 amid declining sales, leaving with a retirement package estimated at $25 million. His tenure was marked by controversies, including accusations of discrimination and lavish spending.
