New allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse have been made against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, HR Grapevine writer Benjamin Broomfield reports. Eight additional men, all former assistants of Jeffries, have come forward, accusing Jeffries of exploitation. This brings to 20 the total number of men who have come forward with allegations against. Jeffries
Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, first faced similar accusations in October 2023 following a BBC documentary and podcast. A lawsuit was also filed that year against Abercrombie & Fitch, Jeffries, and Smith, alleging “international sex trafficking and abuse of prospective models.” At the time, Abercrombie & Fitch denied knowledge of any such incidents and launched an independent investigation, emphasizing its “zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or discrimination.”
Jeffries has consistently denied the allegations, claiming the lawsuits lack specific factual details. However, after the BBC report, the FBI launched its own investigation into the accusations.
The new testimonies bring troubling new details to light, with several assistants—dressed in Abercrombie uniforms—accused of overseeing events where young men were reportedly injected with liquid Viagra. Some of these men claim they traveled for what they believed were professional opportunities, only to face sexual abuse.
One former model recounted being promised work if he traveled from Los Angeles to Madrid, only to be subjected to unwanted sexual advances by Jeffries. He claimed he was unable to leave, fearing retaliation and being bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed before the event.
To date, 20 men have come forward with allegations against Jeffries, but Abercrombie & Fitch has declined to comment on the matter, citing its policy of not addressing ongoing legal issues. The brand has suspended a hefty portion of Jeffries’ retirement payments, slashing them by $1 million a year.
American viewers can watch The Abercrombie Guys: the Dark Side of Cool on BBC Select.
