4 weeks ago
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More than 40 men have now come forward accusing the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, A&F, of rape, sexual assault or drugging.
That’s according to lawyers who have spoken with the BBC.
Mike Jeffries, who was charged with sex trafficking in October, is facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging he assaulted men under the guise of modelling opportunities with the fashion brand.
The lawyers say the latest claims stretch back to the 1990s, when Mr Jeffries first started working at A&F. The alleged victims now include company employees as well as former models.
Mr Jeffries has denied all the allegations previously made against him.
A&F is also being sued for negligence, with the lawsuits claiming that it knowingly facilitated the sexual crimes of Mr Jeffries and his British life partner, Matthew Smith.
The company – which also owns the Hollister brand – did not respond to requests for comment but has previously said it was “appalled and disgusted” by Mr Jeffries’ alleged behaviour.
In the latest allegations, some men say they were already A&F employees when they were sexually assaulted, raising questions about what steps the company took to protect staff and hold Mr Jeffries accountable while he was chief executive and chairman, between 1992 and 2014.
English (US) ·