Charges have been made against Mike Jeffries, the previous CEO of the regarded retail organization Abercrombie and Fitch, concerning his contribution to the sexual double-dealing of underage guys. The aforementioned entrepreneur is currently under scrutiny as News has initiated an investigation, asserting that Jeffries and his British associate, Matthew Smith, were involved in a meticulously orchestrated network that employed intermediaries to procure young men for illicit sexual gatherings.
Jeffries served as the Chief Executive Officer during the height of Abercrombie & Fitch's prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, after its acquisition by Les Wexner in 1988. In an article released on Monday, eight individuals disclosed their attendance at the purported sexual gatherings, with some of them additionally reporting instances of exploitation or mistreatment.
Articulating one's apprehensions
"We are profoundly stunned and repelled by the direct depicted in the allegations against Mr. Jeffries, whose work with Abercrombie and Fitch Co. finished up in 2014, very nearly 10 years prior. Communicating one's interests and approaching is a difficult undertaking, and our feelings are with the people who gallantly raised their voices," expressed a delegate from Abercrombie and Fitch in a proper statement.
"After being reached, we have enrolled the administrations of an outer law office to lead an unbiased examination concerning the issues raised. The ongoing chief authority group and directorate of the organization knew nothing about the claims of sexual unfortunate behavior including Mr. Jeffries," the assertion further expounded.
The directors have effectively and skillfully converted
The spokesperson also reiterated that Jeffries has had no affiliation with the brand for approximately ten years. Efforts to obtain comments from Jeffries and Smith were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The prosecutors conducted an examination
As per News, Jeffries and Smith may potentially face charges related to sex trafficking, as two former United States prosecutors independently examined investigation documents and subsequently requested their inquiry.
One individual who provided a personal account of the events was David Bradberry. In 2010, when he was 23 years old, Bradberry encountered James Jacobson, an alleged intermediary for Jeffries and Smith.
The chance to encounter
Bradberry recalled an alleged conversation with Jacobson, wherein it was made clear that unless Bradberry engaged in oral sex with him, he would not have the opportunity to meet with Abercrombie & Fitch or Mike Jeffries, as Bradberry aspired to become a model at the time.
Bradberry further claimed that on a later occasion, he attended a party at Jeffries' former residence in the Hamptons, where drugs were present and he engaged in sexual activity with the former CEO. Barrett Pall, a former model who has transitioned into a life coach and activist, also attended one of Jeffries' gatherings in the Hamptons.
Considerable psychological anguish
Pall expressed the belief that this experience had a profound negative impact on him, stating that it shattered his innocence and caused significant mental distress. However, with the language and understanding he possesses today, Pall asserted that he was taken advantage of during that time.
In April 2022, Jeffries faced additional scrutiny following the release of the Netflix documentary titled "White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch." The documentary delved into various controversies surrounding the brand, including allegations of exclusionary marketing practices, discriminatory hiring, and accusations of racism.