More men have recently accused the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner of sexual exploitation, according to BBC reports. Some claim they were abused, while others say they were injected with drugs.
One individual, identified as Luke, described his experience in a hotel suite in Spain in 2011, where he was led into what resembled an Abercrombie store set for a photoshoot. The room was dimly lit with provocative images on the walls, and assistants dressed in the brand’s uniforms were folding clothes on a table.
Luke had been promised a modeling opportunity if he flew to Madrid to meet the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch. However, upon arrival, he found himself in a situation where he was pressured into acting as a shirtless greeter by Mr. Jeffries’ assistants. Luke alleges that Mr. Jeffries and his partner began touching him inappropriately, with Mr. Jeffries even performing oral sex on him despite Luke’s repeated refusals.
These accounts are part of a larger investigation into events hosted by Mr. Jeffries and his partner, Mr. Smith, which allegedly involved sexual exploitation. The FBI has launched an investigation, and a civil lawsuit has been filed against the retailer for allegedly funding a sex-trafficking operation.
The individuals involved in these events, including Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith, have denied any wrongdoing. The extent of the events and the involvement of Abercrombie & Fitch staff in organizing them are also under scrutiny. The BBC’s reporting has shed light on the disturbing nature of these events and the impact they had on those who attended.