Fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch is facing legal action over claims that it knowingly facilitated the alleged sexual crimes of its former CEO, Mike Jeffries.
More than 40 men have now come forward, accusing Jeffries of rape, sexual assault, and drugging under the guise of offering modeling opportunities.
The lawsuits allege that A&F turned a blind eye to Jeffries’ predatory behavior during his tenure from 1992 to 2014, allowing him to use the brand’s influence to lure young men into coercive sexual situations.
Some of the victims were reportedly A&F employees, raising serious questions about the company’s role in protecting its staff and holding Jeffries accountable.
Jeffries, now 80, was charged with sex trafficking in October 2023, alongside his partner Matthew Smith and middleman James Jacobson. Prosecutors say they ran a highly organized operation that scouted young men for sex across the U.S., Europe, and North Africa. If convicted, they face life in prison.
Despite claiming it was “appalled and disgusted” by Jeffries’ alleged actions, Abercrombie & Fitch has been ordered to cover his legal fees, a sum expected to reach millions.
The company has insisted it had no knowledge of the misconduct until media investigations brought it to light.
However, with fresh lawsuits emerging, victims and legal experts argue that A&F failed to act against the abuse, prioritizing corporate profits over human safety.
As investigations continue, the scandal threatens to further tarnish Abercrombie & Fitch’s reputation, raising pressing questions about corporate responsibility in cases of executive misconduct.
