Michael Jeffries

Former Abercrombie & Fitch chief Mike Jeffries arrested on federal sex trafficking charges

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, along with his partner Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, were arrested on Tuesday October 22, 2024, facing charges of orchestrating drug-laced, coercive sex parties under the pretense of offering modeling opportunities for the brand’s iconic ads.

According to a federal indictment, for nearly two decades, Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson exploited Jeffries’ wealth and influence, along with a network of household staff, to satisfy the couple’s sexual desires while concealing their actions

Michael Jeffries

Michael Jeffries

Michael Jeffries Timeline

Mike Jeffries the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been arrested on sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges

Early Life and Career

  • 1944: Mike Jeffries is born in Los Angeles, California
  • 1971: Marries Susan Hansen; the couple later has one son but eventually separates

Early Career: Attempts to launch a women’s clothing brand focused on businesswear, but it fails to gain traction

Leadership at Abercrombie & Fitch

  • 1992: Jeffries is appointed CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, tasked with rejuvenating the struggling brand. He repositions it as a trendy, youth-focused retailer with a focus on exclusivity and provocative advertising.
  • 2002: Controversy arises over inappropriate slogans on clothing targeted at young girls. Jeffries defends the designs, further fueling public backlash
  • 2004: The company settles a class-action lawsuit from minority employees over discriminatory practices.
  • 2006: Jeffries makes controversial remarks in an interview, stating the brand caters only to “cool” and “attractive” consumers, sparking significant public criticism.
  • 2011: Abercrombie & Fitch’s performance begins to decline amid changing market trends and consumer preferences.

Decline and Resignation

  • 2013: Jeffries faces increasing criticism for the company’s struggles, including a 40% drop in stock value. His management decisions, such as refusing to offer discounts during the financial crisis, are questioned.
  • December 2014: Jeffries steps down as CEO following 11 consecutive quarters of declining sales. His departure is welcomed by investors, as the company seeks to move in a new direction.
  • Jeffries stepped down following declining sales and left with a retirement package valued at around $25m (£20.5m).

Post-Career and Legal Issues

2016: Puts his Manhattan home up for sale; retires from public life, maintaining a low profile with his partner, Matthew Smith.

2022: Jeffries’ tenure is spotlighted in the Netflix documentary White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch, which revisits his controversial leadership and the brand’s impact on pop culture.

2023: David Bradberry accused the company of enabling its ex-CEO, Michael Jeffries, to run a “widespread sex-trafficking operation,” according to a class-action lawsuit filed last week. The suit, brought on behalf of Bradberry and over 100 other male models, alleges that Jeffries, with the help of his partner Matthew Smith, exploited aspiring models seeking to work for the brand

October 2024: Jeffries, along with Smith and associate James Jacobson, is arrested on charges related to sex trafficking and coercive practices in the Eastern District of New York.

Mike Jeffries has been arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida, along with two associates: Matthew Smith, of West Palm Beach, and James Jacobson from Wisconsin. All three face charges related to sex trafficking in connection with coercive practices allegedly used to exploit young men under promises of modeling opportunities

October 17, 2024: Indictment

From approximately 2008 to 2015, Michael S. Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, along with his partner Matthew C. Smith and associate James T. Jacobson, allegedly operated a large-scale international sex trafficking and prostitution ring. According to the indictment, Jeffries and Smith used their financial resources, Jeffries’ position of power, and a network of employees, contractors, and security staff to maintain secrecy and protect Jeffries’ reputation while fulfilling their sexual desires

he operation reportedly involved recruiting dozens of men, identified in part as John Does #1 through #15, to participate in “Sex Events” across various locations. These events took place in New York properties as well as luxury hotels in destinations like England, France, Italy, Morocco, and Saint Barthélemy. Participants were often compensated and, in some cases, attended multiple events across different countries

The defendants allegedly employed household staff specifically to manage and facilitate these events, ensuring the participants were transported, supervised, and provided with necessary items such as alcohol, drugs (including “poppers”), and other supplies. Staff members also acted as security, controlling access to the events and enforcing the defendants’ directives, including the use of costumes and specific sexual acts

Jacobson is accused of traveling domestically and internationally to recruit and test candidates. During these “tryouts,” prospective participants were reportedly required to engage in sexual acts with Jacobson before receiving approval from Smith for further involvement. Referrals were incentivized with payments to individuals who successfully brought in participants for the events.

The lawsuit claims the operation relied on coercive, fraudulent, and deceptive practices to recruit, transport, and exploit these men, while ensuring the secrecy of the network and maintaining Jeffries’ public image Read More

Michael Jeffries Victims
Michael Jeffries Victims
David Bradberry

David Bradberry Lawsuit

In 2010 David Bradberry, was introduced to James Jacobson by an agent, who was the “gatekeeper” to Abercrombie & Fitch’s top leadership, though no mention of sexual activity was made at the time. During their meeting, Jacobson suggested that Bradberry should have his photograph taken by Bruce Weber, A&F’s official photographer at the time.

Bradberry alleged that Jacobson later made explicit demands, stating that unless Bradberry allowed him to perform oral sex, he would not be given the opportunity to meet with Abercrombie & Fitch executives, including Mike Jeffries. Jacobson gave him $500 and told him it was for his time.

David Bradberry

David Bradberry

David Bradberry vs Abercrombie & Fitch Co.,Michael S. Jeffries, Matthew Smith, and The Jeffries Family Office, LLC

October, 27, 2023 David Bradberry

A former Abercrombie & Fitch model, David Bradberry, has accused the company of enabling its ex-CEO, Michael Jeffries, to run a “widespread sex-trafficking operation,” according to a class-action lawsuit filed last week. The suit, brought on behalf of Bradberry and over 100 other male models, alleges that Jeffries, with the help of his partner Matthew Smith, exploited aspiring models seeking to work for the brand.

Bradberry, also known for his appearances on Bravo’s Below Deck, claims he was coerced into sex acts, drugged, and sexually abused by Jeffries during his efforts to secure modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch. The lawsuit details a recruitment scheme in which scouts were tasked with finding attractive young men online or through other channels. Those deemed promising were invited to a second casting, typically held at the home of Jeffries and Smith, where the alleged abuse occurred.

The filing further asserts that many of these models were trafficked to locations such as New York, Morocco, England, and France, where they were subjected to further exploitation by Jeffries and other men. Matthew Smith, Jeffries’ longtime partner, is also named as a defendant in the case