Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, are facing serious charges of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault following a BBC investigation that tipped off authorities. Both Jeffries and Smith are at the center of a civil lawsuit alleging that they led a sex-trafficking operation during Jeffries’ tenure as CEO of the iconic fashion brand. 😳
📍 Key Allegations:
- Liquid Viagra injections: Some victims allege they were injected with a substance resembling liquid Viagra by Jeffries’ assistants. 💉
- Trafficking network: The BBC investigation revealed that 12 men were recruited for sex parties between 2009 and 2015, many of whom were lured under the false promise of modeling contracts with Abercrombie & Fitch. 😔
- Pressure to comply: Victims described feeling coerced to perform sexual acts in exchange for “fame,” with one victim, David Bradberry, sharing that he felt trapped at Jeffries’ secluded Hamptons mansion. 🏠💔
⚖️ Legal Update:
- Mike Jeffries has been released on a $10 million bond, while his partner, Matthew Smith, remains in custody. A third individual, James Jacobson, accused of recruiting the victims, was released on $500,000 bond. The court is set to reconvene this Friday.
- Abercrombie & Fitch is fighting to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming ignorance of Jeffries’ actions but has been ordered to cover his legal fees. 🏛️
💬 What’s Next?
This case marks a major turning point in holding high-profile executives accountable for misconduct. Jeffries, once one of the highest-paid CEOs in America, is now facing a reckoning as the legal battle unfolds.