Take a look at your outfit right now. You could very possibly be wearing an article of clothing with the name Abercrombie embroidered on the tag. The famous brand can be found in the Cherry Hill Mall, online, and all around the world.
The well-known brand was founded by David T. Abercrombie in 1892. In the early stages of the brand, it was initially set to promote athletic apparel, from shoes to outdoor equipment to guns. After filing bankruptcy in 1976, the brand shifted its focus. They began to sell “casual luxury” clothing pieces under the leadership of Michael S. Jefferies.
Although popular, the brand received negative recognition for its bold advertising and clothing choices, with some accusing it of promoting a sexually unrestricted lifestyle among teens and young adults.
Controversy reignited in 2013 when remarks made by Jeffries in 2006 resurfaced. He criticized customers whose body types didn’t align with the brand’s models. These remarks sparked backlash towards Jeffries, amplifying criticism of the company’s exclusive image.
In a bombshell discovery, Mike Jeffries was found to be running a covert sex trafficking operation after an investigation that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeffries, along with partner Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, allegedly used recruiters to target young men for abusive sexual acts from 2008 to 2015. Some men were falsely informed about photoshoots and modeling events, only to be lured in. Some of these men were sexually assaulted and forced to do things that they not only did not consent to, but were also dangerous and illegal.
A former model Barrett Pall opened up about his experience with Jeffries. He described being forced to perform sexual acts during events organized by Jeffries without any knowledge or warning. These incidents occurred at upscale venues, some of them in the Hamptons. Because of Jeffries’ high profile, influence, and wealth, many models were afraid to speak of the acts happening “behind the camera.” Offenders gaslit victims, forcing confidentiality agreements and intimidating them to keep the models silent about Jeffries’ disgusting acts. These tactics kept the hidden operation secret for years.
After the podcast series “The Abercrombie Guys” aired, to say the least, shocking information showing the true colors of Mike Jeffries was revealed, and law enforcement got involved. The FBI arrested Jeffries and other co-conspirators on October 22, 2024. They were then charged with sex trafficking and coercion — the act or process of persuading someone forcefully to do something that they do not want to do.
The men involved have pleaded not guilty. They denied all that they were accused of, and this has caused major backlash toward the brand. Victims have filed lawsuits, testifying against Jeffries and Abercrombie & Fitch. Now, all that’s left to do is wait, and find out if Mike Jeffries is behind more scandals, or behind bars.