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Anyone who was a teenager in the early 2010s will certainly be familiar with the Abercrombie & Fitch brand. The sporty casual clothes with the brand’s striking font logo were on everyone’s lips at the time. Their glossy advertising with low-cut jeans and handsome male models and the sharp perfume in the stores created a hype in the US and Europe.
Now, ten years later, the particular brand is making headlines for several reasons. According to the British BBC, the brand’s then CEO, Mike Jeffries (79), is said to have exploited young men for sex. The serious allegations have led to a criminal investigation.
Oral sex, abuse and drugs
The Californian, together with his partner Matthew Smith (60), is said to have set up a complex network of sex parties around the world. Eight alleged victims take center stage. The young men would have been made compliant as part of these parties.
They were allegedly arranged by Jeffries and Smith through an intermediary. Their approach: they promised the men a modeling career. To do this, they must first get to know the fashion boss. The sex encounters apparently took place in England, Morocco and the US and turned out to be events of a “coercive nature”.
The men talked about oral sex, drug use, abuse and even rape. They then had to sign a non-disclosure agreement and were given money.
Only “cool kids” should buy clothes
The demise of the brand occurred in 2014. Even then, rumors of a toxic work culture were circulating. Jeffries resigned amid allegations of racial discrimination. His vision was clear, but also exclusive. He said in a 2006 interview: “In every school there are cool and popular kids, and there are also not-so-cool kids. Honestly, we’re looking for cool kids. We are looking for an attractive, all-American boy with a great attitude and lots of friends.”
Abercrombie is the glorification of the ultra-conventional, preppy, wealthy lifestyle, noted fashion journalist Maureen Tkacik said of the company’s marketing strategy.
The two suspects remained silent for weeks about the latest allegations. In a statement, Abercrombie & Fitch said it was “shocked and disgusted” by the allegations. The BBC presented its research to two former US prosecutors. Both independently concluded that the charges should be prosecuted because of alleged sex trafficking. (An)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
