Photo Credit: Getty Images
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, 79, and his partner Matthew Smith, 60, were arrested Tuesday on federal sex trafficking charges. The arrests follow an extensive FBI investigation sparked by explosive revelations from a BBC investigation last year.
According to court documents and multiple sources familiar with the case, the investigation uncovered what prosecutors describe as a sophisticated operation involving recruitment networks and events hosted at luxury properties worldwide between 2009 and 2015. Brad Edwards, representing several alleged victims, called the arrests "a huge first step towards obtaining justice."
The BBC's groundbreaking investigation, which interviewed 12 men and dozens of former staff members, detailed allegations of exploitation at events organized by Jeffries and Smith. David Bradberry, who was 23 at the time, reported being promised modeling opportunities with A&F, stating, "It was like he was selling fame. And the price was compliance."
Following the initial reports, Abercrombie & Fitch launched an independent investigation and distanced itself from its former CEO. The company stated in court filings that its current leadership team was "previously unaware" of the allegations until contacted by the BBC, emphasizing that it "abhors sexual abuse."
Jeffries, who transformed A&F into a retail powerhouse during his 22-year tenure, departed in 2014 with a $25 million retirement package amid declining sales and controversy. His leadership was marked by discrimination claims and concerns about lavish spending.
Lawyers representing Jeffries responded to the arrest stating they would "respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed," while maintaining their client's innocence. Earlier this year, a U.S. court mandated A&F to cover Jeffries' legal expenses in related civil litigation.
The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has exposed the darker side of the fashion industry's power dynamics and raised questions about corporate oversight and accountability. Federal prosecutors are expected to provide additional details at an upcoming press conference.
