Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Michael Jeffries, pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges in court.
Jeffries, along with his romantic partner and an employee, allegedly lured men into sex parties under the guise of potential modeling opportunities with the clothing retailer.
Driving the news: The alleged events involving 15 accusers occurred between 2008 and 2015 in various locations, including New York City, the Hamptons, and several international hotels.
The big picture: Prosecutors claim that the men were coerced and induced into participating in drug-fueled sex parties, often involving costumes, sex toys, and penile injections.
- Jeffries left Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after leading the company for over two decades, and the company has expressed its shock and disapproval of the allegations.
State of play: Abercrombie & Fitch has undergone cultural and branding changes since Jeffries’ departure, including ending the use of sexualized photos in marketing materials and ceasing the practice of calling store employees “models.”
- The firm has also hired an external law firm to conduct an independent investigation into similar allegations against Jeffries.
