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The Sex Trafficking Case Against Abercrombie & Fitch

The Sex Trafficking Case Against Abercrombie & Fitch

Over the years, clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has had its fair share of controversies but the latest round of accusations could be its most serious PR nightmare yet.

CEO Michael Jeffries, his business partner Matthew Smith, and James Jacobson were apprehended on October 22. The allegation? They are believed to be responsible for an “international sex trafficking and prostitution business.” 

The Case Against Them

Their crimes were supposed to have happened during the leadership of Jeffries. According to the 16-count indictment, the three suspects “employed coercive, fraudulent and deceptive tactics in connection with the recruitment, hiring, transportation, obtaining, maintaining, solicitation and payment of the men to engage in commercial sex.”

They reportedly recruited aspiring male models and plied them with drugs, alcohol, Viagra, and more so they could have sex at parties held in the United States and overseas. Their male victims were made to sign NDAs and were required to give up their phones and wallets during these events.

These incidents allegedly happened over seven years, beginning in 2008. Additionally, Jeffries is accused of recruiting, hiring, and paying a member of his household staff to “facilitate and supervise the Sex Events.”

Prosecutors claim that Jacobson traveled throughout the country and abroad to find and screen men for their “sex events.” These men were subjected to “tryouts” where they were prompted to engage with him sexually.

In exchange, they were promised modeling and other career opportunities with the brand. If they resisted, they were made to believe that it would be detrimental to their careers.

The US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace declared during a press conference, “On more than one occasion when men did not or could not consent, Jeffries and Smith violated the bodily integrity of these men by subjecting them or continuing to subject them to invasive sexual and violent contact by body parts and other objects.”

Dean Kaire, the attorney representing many of their victims, commended the arrests and their personal significance to those who were abused. “The arrest this morning serves as a validation of their bravery in coming forward and sharing their stories and experiences and our law firm looks forward to continue representing all survivors of abuse and ensuring that all parties are held responsible,” he remarked.

What’s the Connection Between Jeffries and Smiths?

Jeffries and Smith are business and live-in partners. They began living together in 2013. It’s yet to be revealed how long they’ve been working together but media outlets have reported that Smith was part of Jeffries’ businesses during the 2000s.