Mike Jeffries faces new sexual misconduct allegations

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is facing new sexual misconduct allegations. He is currently under house arrest after being charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution last year. Recently, at least 14 more men have come forward with claims against Jeffries. Some say they were drugged and forced into sex. Others allege they were misled into attending events at luxurious locations that promised modeling opportunities. Jeffries, now 80, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His partner, Matthew Smith, 61, and middleman James Jacobson, 72, have also pleaded not guilty. The indictment claims the trio operated a prostitution ring from December 2008 to 2015, using force, fraud, and coercion. The allegations date back to 1992, when Jeffries joined Abercrombie & Fitch. Jared Scotto, an attorney representing some accusers, is investigating various claims against Jeffries. The new lawsuits include accusations of rape from two men who say they were assaulted at Abercrombie events after being pressured to take drugs. Scott's law firm is closely monitoring the ongoing criminal procedures. Abercrombie & Fitch has not responded to requests for comments regarding the allegations or related lawsuits. Jeffries is known for revamping Abercrombie with eye-catching advertising featuring male models. Reports of his misconduct first emerged in early 2023 through a BBC investigation, leading to a documentary. A competency hearing to assess Jeffries’ ability to stand trial is scheduled for May 1 in Central Islip, New York. His lawyer has claimed that Jeffries has late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.