Abercrombie & Fitch’s Former CEO Faces Accusations of Sexual Exploitation
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., the clothing retailer, is currently conducting an investigation into allegations that its former CEO, Mike Jeffries, sexually exploited men at extravagant parties held globally. This BBC report sheds light on the accusations and provides an overview of the situation.
The Accusations against Jeffries
The BBC interviewed eight individuals who either participated in or witnessed sexual activities at parties hosted by Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, between 2009 and 2015. Each person involved allegedly received thousands of dollars in cash after the events. The recruitment for these parties was handled by a middleman named James Jacobson, who reportedly told one participant that unless he engaged in oral sex with him, he would not have an opportunity to meet with Abercrombie & Fitch or Mike Jeffries. The man complied, receiving $500 from Jacobson, and later received an invitation to Jeffries’ residence in the Hamptons, where he engaged in sexual activities with the former CEO. Another man, a former model, claimed that he was subjected to oral sex performed by another recruited man in the presence of Jeffries and Smith. He stated that this experience left him psychologically scarred and feeling taken advantage of.
Jeffries’ Response to the Accusations
When approached by NPR, Jeffries’ attorney declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the former CEO, who is now 79 years old and retired, has a history of refraining from discussing personal matters in the media.
Jeffries’ Impact on A&F’s Popularity
Jeffries served as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014 and is credited with rebranding the company from a struggling heritage brand specializing in safari wear to a highly successful teen apparel retailer known for its preppy fashion, strong cologne fragrances, and provocative advertisements featuring partially clothed models. Jeffries famously aimed to attract the “cool kids” and exclude those who didn’t fit the brand’s desired image. Despite its controversial marketing strategies, the approach proved to be a lucrative business strategy, with the company experiencing consistent earnings growth and annual profits exceeding $2 billion by 2006. However, A&F’s marketing tactics also resulted in various HR and PR issues, including a $40 million settlement due to a class action lawsuit alleging discrimination against minority applicants and the discontinuation of the controversial A&F Quarterly magazine. Several instances of offensive clothing designs also led to public backlash and boycotts.
A&F’s Response to the Accusations and Recent Transformations
Abercrombie & Fitch, in response to the allegations, announced that it has hired an external law firm to conduct an independent investigation. The company’s current executive leadership team and board of directors claim to have had no knowledge of Jeffries’ alleged misconduct. Moreover, A&F has been working on a brand transformation, moving away from its exclusionary reputation and sexualized marketing tactics. The brand has rebranded with a diverse range of influencers, expanded its clothing sizes, and shifted its focus to more inclusive advertising and clothing designs. Media outlets have hailed these changes as a comeback and significant revival for the brand. However, these recent efforts may face significant challenges as the allegations against the former CEO come to light.
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