Abercrombie & Fitch's Former CEO Accused of Sexually Exploiting Male Models

The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, and his partner, Matthew Smith, have come under fire after allegations of their involvement in hosting sex parties and exploiting aspiring male models. These disturbing claims have surfaced as part of a BBC Panorama investigation into Jeffries, shedding light on a concerning pattern of behavior.

The BBC's investigation reveals a "highly organized network" that Jeffries and Smith allegedly used to recruit young men for their parties. A middleman was also reportedly involved in these activities. While this middleman insisted that all participants were aware of the nature of the events, eight individuals have come forward, asserting that they were "exploited or abused."

Despite these grave allegations, neither Jeffries nor Smith has responded to the BBC's request for comment, leaving these claims unanswered.

The seriousness of the accusations has prompted two former US prosecutors who reviewed the evidence to call for an investigation into potential sex trafficking charges in the United States.

The BBC's two-year investigation uncovered a troubling narrative. Half of the men interviewed claimed they were misled about the nature of the parties they attended, while others were aware of the sexual aspects of these gatherings. One aspiring model recounted attending an event in the Hamptons, Long Island, in 2010, believing that Jeffries could advance his career. He alleges that he was provided with poppers and engaged in sexual activity with the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO.

Another individual was assured that he didn't have to do anything he was uncomfortable with but was encouraged to go further. These revelations suggest a disturbing power dynamic at play within these events.

Participants were reportedly paid between $500 and $1000 to attend the parties and subjected to a "sexual audition" by the middleman before meeting the wealthy couple. Additional details emerged, such as body hair shaving and the signing of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Staff members working for Jeffries and Smith were instructed to vacate the Hampton property every Saturday afternoon.

The alleged incidents took place in Jeffries' New York home and in various hotels worldwide. Mike Jeffries, who joined Abercrombie & Fitch in 1992 and served as its CEO for over two decades, stepped down in 2014 amid declining sales, but these disturbing allegations continue to cast a shadow over his legacy.