Does Les Wexner own Abercrombie & Fitch? Brand's origin and history explored amid its former CEO Mike Jeffries' sex trafficking allegations
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and two other people have been arrested on federal sex crime charges on Tuesday, October 22. Jeffries was arrested from his West Palm Beach home along with his partner Matthew Smith. Further, a third suspect, James "Mrs. Cook" Jacobson, was also arrested from St. Paul, Minnesota.
Jeffries was the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch for 22 years (1992-2014). Also known as A&F, the company is an American lifestyle retailer that focuses on contemporary clothing. It was founded on June 4, 1892, by David T. Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch.
Mike Jeffries took office as the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in 1992 when former owner Les Wexner was charged with alleged s*x trafficking. Wexner founded L Brands in 1963 and brought Abercrombie & Fitch under that company in 1988 for $47 million.
What are the charges against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries?
Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and James "Mrs. Cook" Jacobson were accused of allegedly running a "casting couch" to lure their victims, according to Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Peace also alleged that at least 15 victims were forced to consume drugs like Viagra and alcohol and perform s*xual acts against their will, between 2008 and 2015.
James Dennehy, the FBI's assistant director in charge of the New York Field Office, commented on Mike Jeffries' recent arrest, saying:
"Despite the alleged efforts of Jeffrey, Smith and Jacobson to conceal their crimes, efforts that included threatening victims and requiring them to sign nondisclosure agreements, among other things, their plan failed. This case is yet another example of individuals using their wealth, power, or reputation to manipulate and control others for their own personal interests."
Jeffries was later released on October 22 on a $10 million bond. U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhard ordered that the former CEO be confined to his home with GPS tracking. Furthermore, he was ordered to surrender his passport and not travel anywhere without prior approval.
Meanwhile, Matthew Smith was detained until the matter went up for trial in New York state. Additionally, Jacobson was ordered to appear in federal court for an arraignment alongside Matt Jeffries on Friday, October 25.
These charges come more than a year after Mike Jeffries, Matthew Smith, and others in Abercrombie & Fitch were sued for allegedly running a s*x trafficking ring that covered places like England, Morocco, France, and New York.
"He used his role as CEO of Abercrombie to prey upon attractive young men who believed that Jeffries was going to hire them as an Abercrombie model — the pinnacle of the modeling industry for men during the relevant time period," stated the court filings of the previous case.
After the court hearing on Tuesday, attorney Breon Peace was asked whether any s*x trafficking happened after 2015. To this, he explained that the investigation was still ongoing and implored other victims (if any) and witnesses to come forward.
History of Abercrombie & Fitch, explored
American clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch primarily sells casual wear for preteens, teenagers, and young adults. The Ohio-based company was founded by David Abercrombie in 1892 and was originally named Abercrombie Co. The company was initially known for its variety of sporting attire and equipment, including elephant guns and tennis shoes.
Abercrombie Co. was renamed Abercrombie & Fitch in 1904 after lawyer Ezra Fitch became a partner in the company.
Soon after, the brand began expanding but confined itself to downtown areas of big cities. In the early 1970s, the company widened its customer base by adding cheaper items to its collection and also opened stores in suburban areas. Although these attempts worked to some extent, they did not help as much as intended.
The company fell into financial constraints and had to file for bankruptcy in 1976, after spending 85 years in business. Then, in 1978, Oshman's Sporting Goods bought the firm.
In 1988, it was once again sold; this time to The Limited Inc. Gradually, it became the parent brand of the subsidiary brand Abercrombie Kids, a children's clothing line launched in 1998.
Hollister Co., a line launched for teenagers in 2000, also came under the umbrella. RUEHL No. 925, targeting post-graduates, and Gilly Hicks, targeting women, were further incorporated in 2004 and 2008 respectively.
Abercrombie & Fitch's overhaul led to widespread criticism from certain sections due to its style of clothing and advertising, as many perceived it as encouraging their customers to lead a s*xually promiscuous lifestyle.