The former longtime CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Jeffries, pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges in a court in Central Islip, New York. Jeffries, 80, is currently free on a $10 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on December 12. His attorney entered the plea on his behalf, and Jeffries declined to comment on the allegations.
Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner and another individual, lured men into participating in sex parties under false pretenses of modeling opportunities for the clothing retailer. The events, which involved drug-fueled sex parties with elements of coercion, took place between 2008 and 2015 in various locations including New York City, the Hamptons, and several international hotels.
James Jacobson, a former employee of Jeffries, also pleaded not guilty to the charges and is free on a $500,000 bond. The accusations against Jeffries and Jacobson align with previous reports of sexual misconduct and a civil case brought against Jeffries after his departure from Abercrombie in 2014.
Abercrombie & Fitch, in response to the arrests, expressed shock and disapproval of the allegations. The company stated that it has undergone significant changes in branding and culture since Jeffries' tenure, including discontinuing the use of sexualized marketing materials and ceasing the practice of referring to store employees as 'models.'
The company emphasized its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement and supporting the ongoing legal process. It acknowledged the bravery of individuals who have come forward as part of the federal investigation and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
