ABERCROMBIE & Fitch’s ex-CEO Mike Jeffries allegedly exploited young men for sex before they were handed envelopes of cash, it has been claimed.
The BBC reports that Mike Jeffries and his British partner Matthew Smith used a middleman to find young men for sex events at Jeffries’ New York pad and at luxury hotels across the world.
GettyMike Jeffries allegedly exploited young men for sex[/caption]
Jeffries and Smith did not respond to requests for comment.
But a middleman denied any wrongdoing – and said men entered the reported events “with their eyes wide open”.
Eight men told the broadcaster that they attended events – with some alleging they were abused or exploited.
It is claimed that “recruiters” would find men to attend the events – and would get between $500 and $1,000 for every referral.
The BBC has named the alleged middleman as James Jacobson, and claimed he propositioned or sexually “auditioned” men by requesting or offering to perform oral sex.
A personal “groomer” was allegedly hired to shave some of the men’s intimate body hair – an experience some said was “dehumanising”.
The men were allegedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements and were reportedly supervised during sex acts by staff wearing Abercrombie & Fitch uniform.
It is alleged that Jeffries funded the whole operation including referral fees.
Two former US prosecutors interviewed by BBC Panorama have called for an investigation to determine whether sex trafficking charges should be brought.
The brand said it was “appalled and disgusted” by the pair’s alleged behaviour.
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