Abercrombie & Fitch could have a scandal on its hands.
Former executives Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith have recently been accused of sexually exploiting male models. A BBC investigation revealed that they allegedly recruited men for sex events through a middleman, James Jacobson, to distance themselves from the foul activities.
The scandal could tarnish the brand’s history of using sex appeal to sell its products, with shirtless male models adorning storefronts during the Hollister, A&F, and Gilly Hicks era. Jeffries left his role in 2014, but BBC’s two-year investigation uncovered disturbing events that took place between 2009 and 2015.
Allegedly, young men were deceived into participating, thinking they had modeling opportunities with the brand. David Bradberry, one of the victims, shared that he was coerced into sexual acts to meet Abercrombie & Fitch or Jeffries.
Official charges have not been filed yet, but the unfolding news suggests it’s only a matter of time before legal actions are taken.
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