Ex-Abercrombie CEO Released on Bail After Arrest on Sex Trafficking Allegations

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Facts

  • Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, his partner Matthew Smith, and James Jacobson — an alleged middleman for the pair — were all arrested in the US and charged on federal offenses of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution on Tuesday.[1][2]
  • In an indictment against the three, federal prosecutors accused them of employing 'coercive, fraudulent and deceptive tactics' connected to the 'recruitment, hiring, transportation, obtaining, maintaining, solicitation and payment' of young men for commercial sex between 2008–2015.[1][3]
  • Further outlining the allegations at a press conference in New York, prosecutors said that Jacobson coerced men into sexual 'tryouts' — often with the promise it would benefit their careers with the clothing retailer.[3]
  • The men would then allegedly be picked by Jeffries and Smith for sex parties held at hotels across the world, as well at Jeffries' homes in New York. There, prosecutors alleged that the men were coerced into drinking alcohol, and taking Viagra or muscle relaxants known as 'poppers.'[4]
  • Prosecutors added that there were 15 alleged victims in the indictment at this stage, but claimed that the criminal operation 'encompassed dozens and dozens of men.' They called on any alleged victims that had not yet come forward to contact the FBI.[5][3]
  • Lawyers for the three did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday, but lawyers for Jeffries and Smith — who were released on bail on Tuesday — previously 'vehemently denied' any wrongdoing. All three are set to appear in an arraignment hearing in New York on Friday.[6]

Sources: [1]NBC, [2]Forbes, [3]Guardian, [4]New York Post, [5]BBC News and [6]Sky News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Guardian and The Economic Times. For too long, the powerful have preyed on vulnerable people by abusing them in exchange for the prospect of career advancement. Evidently, this pattern of exploitation was present at Abercrombie & Fitch. This indictment shows that these types of vile actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
  • Narrative B, as provided by CNN. While the horrific nature of the charges brought against the ex-Abercrombie CEO are undeniable, there is little evidence that the business has been in any way affected. Jeffries left the company in 2014, and since then Abercrombie has been incredibly successful in defending their brand image irrespective of the dark content of these legal proceedings.