Abercrombie & Fitch, the renowned fashion brand, is facing legal action in New York amid allegations of supporting a sex-trafficking ring operated by its ex-CEO, Mike Jeffries. The lawsuit asserts that Jeffries had unrestricted access to company resources, enabling his purported “criminal enterprise.”
This legal move follows a BBC exposé into claims of Mr. Jeffries exploiting men during events he hosted as the brand’s CEO. The company has refrained from commenting on the situation, as has Brian H Bieber, the attorney representing Jeffries.
The litigation further accuses Jeffries and his British associate, Matthew Smith, of sex trafficking, sexual misconduct, and rape. The case is being pursued under the New York Adult Survivors Act, enabling the filing of civil claims that would have surpassed the usual statute of limitations. Lawyers are aiming to elevate the suit to class action status.
Brad Edwards, representing some of the claimants, emphasized the lawsuit’s significance, noting that Abercrombie & Fitch would need to account for the alleged harm inflicted upon numerous young men.
Previously, the BBC had unveiled a structured network reportedly involved in recruiting young men for events with Jeffries and Smith. In light of the investigation, Abercrombie & Fitch expressed their shock and revulsion towards the alleged actions of their former CEO.
The lawsuit alleges that Abercrombie & Fitch knowingly sustained Jeffries’ supposed sex trafficking activities between 1992 and 2014, facilitating his endeavors with corporate resources such as unlimited cash, transportation, and a private jet. This allegedly enabled Jeffries to exploit aspiring models and rapidly acquire new victims.
The legal documents claim that despite being aware of Jeffries’ illicit behavior, Abercrombie & Fitch prioritized profits, even allegedly financing extravagant parties and overlooking Jeffries’ questionable corporate account activities.
The lawsuit cites evidence including an internal video portraying Jeffries in compromising circumstances. It suggests that while efforts were made to limit the video’s circulation, the company did nothing to deter such behaviors, even going as far as to reward Jeffries monetarily.
David Bradberry, a former model, is the primary plaintiff and alleges that Jeffries utilized Abercrombie & Fitch’s brand power, gifts, and other resources to lure and exploit young male victims into his alleged sex-trafficking operations.
Civil lawyer Brittany Henderson emphasized the gravity of this case in highlighting male exploitation in the fashion sector. She believes this is a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement to recognize and combat sexual exploitation regardless of gender.
