Well, Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) is catching a lot of heat. More than 40 men have since stepped forward with allegations of rape, sexual assault and drugging against him. This recent development has already inspired two separate lawsuits in New York. The allegations are focused around unmet promises of modeling opportunities that supposedly resulted in attacks. Among the accusers is a model who claims Jeffries sexually assaulted him after a photo session, stating that "Abercrombie models get special treatment." The accusations go back to 1992, the same year that Jeffries started at A&F.
In a major step forward for the case, US prosecutors have named 15 victims in the criminal federal case against Jeffries. In an unrelated decision, a court has ruled that Abercrombie & Fitch pay Jeffries’ legal costs. This includes expenses incurred during the criminal prosecution as well as any civil suits that may follow. In 2011, Jeffries was hit with troubling charges. Those memories came creeping back after two former models accused him of assault during a casting call at the Setai Hotel in Miami.
Though the charges are serious, Mike Jeffries has repeatedly — and vehemently — denied any of these allegations. He remains on house arrest today. He has not yet gone to trial but has pleaded not guilty to charges of operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution enterprise. His longtime partner in crime, Matthew Smith, is charged with the same crimes and has similarly pled not guilty. Further, Jacobson, a procurement middleman, has similar allegations against him, along with Jeffries and Smith.
Through these actions, A&F has made no secret of its dismay that such allegations were once leveled against its former CEO. In an effort to salvage the growing scandal, in July the annual $1 million retirement payments being paid to Jeffries were suspended by the company. Instead, these payments were historically provided in addition to his pension.
The developing case has led to dozens of people stepping forward to share their experiences.
"There is strength in numbers, so more men came forward after the arrests," stated Brad Edwards.
As Jared Scotto, yet another person who has been tracking the case intently, pointed out, this could have bigger effects on those harmed.
"A lot of men are coming forward to ask questions and better understand what happened to them," he said. "Now they know it's not just them affected; it was part of a larger nefarious scheme."
The allegations levelled at Jeffries have reverberated across the fashion world, shedding light on supposed impropriety that extends back for decades. These criminal proceedings will have the opportunity to fully scrutinize their testimonies from these alleged victims. Additionally, they will look into the practice roulette allegedly operated by Jeffries and his buddies.