Abercrombie & Fitch initiates probe into allegations of sexual misconduct by former CEO

Clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) is conducting an investigation into allegations made against its former CEO, Mike Jeffries. The BBC has reported that an organized network used a middleman to recruit young adult men for sex events hosted by Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith. Some of the men involved have claimed they were abused during these events. Jeffries and Smith have not responded to requests for comment. A&F, which operates around 850 stores globally, has engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations and has expressed its disgust at the reported behavior. Jeffries is credited with transforming A&F from a failing outfitter into a successful teen retailer, but he stepped down in 2014 following declining sales. The company claims it was unaware of the allegations of sexual misconduct and asserts that it has since become a values-driven organization. The BBC's two-year investigation found that events involving sex acts were organized by Jeffries and Smith in various locations around the world, including New York, London, Paris, and Marrakesh. Twelve men have described attending or organizing these events, and half of them allege they were initially misled about the nature of the events or were not informed that sex was involved. All participants were reportedly paid for their involvement. Barrett Pall and Alex are two men who have shared their experiences, expressing feelings of pressure, discomfort, and exploitation at the events. Pall claimed he felt indebted to an older model who recruited him for the couple's event, while Alex alleges he may have been drugged and raped at a large event held in Marrakesh in 2011. A civil lawyer who examined the evidence has suggested that US prosecutors should investigate whether the allegations could constitute sex trafficking. Abercrombie & Fitch expressed its commitment to the investigation and stated that it sought to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and customers. The company is working to distance itself from the scandal, emphasizing that the alleged events took place during Jeffries' tenure and do not represent the values of the current leadership. The BBC attempted to contact Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson (the middleman) multiple times to offer them the opportunity to respond to the allegations, but they have not responded.