In a recent development, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, along with his partner Matthew Smith, have requested a court to dismiss a sex trafficking lawsuit that was filed against them. Mr. Jeffries vehemently denies the allegations and argues that they are meritless and fall outside the statute of limitations. Abercrombie & Fitch also maintains that the lawsuit failed to demonstrate any knowledge of the alleged exploitation and cannot be held liable.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the Southern District of New York by former model David Bradberry and others, accuses Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith of sex trafficking, sexual misconduct, and rape. It alleges that the firm financed a “criminal enterprise” operated by Mr. Jeffries over a span of two decades. The complaint further claims that Abercrombie & Fitch facilitated Mr. Jeffries’ “sex trafficking venture” by providing him with uninhibited access to corporate resources such as a jet, transportation, and unlimited cash. These allegations emerged following a BBC investigation into similar claims against Mr. Jeffries and his partner involving events hosted by them globally, including in New York, London, and Marrakesh.
However, the legal documents filed on behalf of both Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith argue for the dismissal of the lawsuit. Mr. Jeffries’ lawyers emphasize that he denies all the allegations presented in the civil lawsuit and urge the court to look beyond the sensationalized narrative provided by the plaintiff. They also highlight the legal deficiencies in the complaint, stating that it warrants the dismissal of the case. Similarly, the document filed on behalf of Mr. Smith emphasizes that the allegations concern events that allegedly occurred in 2010 and have been time-barred since 2011. Furthermore, it argues that the claim lacks specific and factual occurrences of any sexual offense committed by Mr. Smith.
Abercrombie & Fitch has also filed a response, asserting their lack of knowledge regarding the “supposed trafficking venture” and the alleged sexual misconduct. The company states that, until the release of the BBC’s reporting in October 2023, there was no public information about the allegations against Mr. Jeffries. They condemn the alleged conduct described in the complaint and firmly deny any liability. The response further argues that the lawsuit fails to provide any supporting facts for the claim that Abercrombie & Fitch provided compensation to the victims of Jeffries’ alleged sexual abuse. It is important to note that the company intends to cooperate with any ongoing investigations.
Alongside the civil lawsuit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated its own investigation into the matter. FBI agents have reportedly been conducting interviews and issuing subpoenas to potential witnesses. This suggests that the authorities are taking the allegations seriously and are determined to uncover the truth.
Mike Jeffries played a significant role in transforming Abercrombie & Fitch into a multi-billion-dollar teen retailer during the 1990s. However, declining sales led to his resignation as CEO in 2014. Upon leaving the company, he received a retirement package worth around $25 million. Nonetheless, a portion of this package has now been suspended due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
While this case still unfolds, it is crucial to approach the allegations and ongoing investigations with caution. It is essential to allow the legal process to proceed and for evidence to be thoroughly examined. Until conclusive findings are reached, it is important to withhold judgment and avoid spreading unverified information. The allegations against Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Smith, and Abercrombie & Fitch are serious, and any potential victims of sex trafficking and abuse deserve a fair and impartial investigation.
Allegations against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO and partner dismissed in sex trafficking lawsuit
