Jefferies Faces Numerous Accusations of Sexual Exploitation from 2008 to 2015
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution in a New York federal court on Friday. Jeffries, 80, along with his partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson, faces accusations of exploiting men for commercial sex acts between 2008 and 2015. The indictment outlines a network used to recruit vulnerable men with promises of career opportunities in fashion and modeling, only to coerce them into “sex events” through alcohol, drugs, and other substances.
During the arraignment, Jeffries appeared expressionless in a navy suit as his attorneys entered the plea on his behalf. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch for over two decades before stepping down in 2014, was released on a $10 million bond secured by his family. Under the terms of his release, he is confined to his homes in New York, Long Island, and Florida, allowed to leave only for medical appointments, legal visits, and religious events.
Smith, 61, and Jacobson, 71, have also been charged with sex trafficking and prostitution, with Jacobson alleged to have recruited men to participate in the events. Both Smith and Jacobson have pleaded not guilty. Smith remains in custody as he was deemed a flight risk due to his dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship. Jacobson was released on a $500,000 bond.
The charges stem from a federal investigation launched after a BBC report revealed accusations from several men who claimed they were abused at events hosted by Jeffries and Smith in various locations, including New York and luxury hotels around the world. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace detailed the scope of the alleged trafficking operation, claiming Jeffries spent “millions of dollars” on a system designed to fulfill his sexual desires.
According to the indictment, 15 men, referred to as John Does, are listed as victims. These men were allegedly given substances such as muscle relaxants, alcohol, and Viagra before being coerced into performing sex acts. The indictment also describes how men were flown to various locations and subjected to these events under the guise of professional opportunities.
The court proceedings attracted significant attention, including from David Bradberry, a former model who had accused Jeffries of sexual misconduct in a BBC documentary. Bradberry attended the hearing but did not interact with the former CEO.
Jeffries is due back in court on December 12. Abercrombie & Fitch, which has distanced itself from Jeffries since his departure nearly a decade ago, issued a statement condemning the alleged behavior: “We are appalled and disgusted by the alleged behavior of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended nearly ten years ago. For close to a decade, we have successfully transformed our brands and culture into the values-driven organization we are today.” The company also pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the case proceeds.