By outdoor-nature-child.com In a New York federal courtroom, I found myself face-to-face with Mike Jeffries, the former fashion mogul at the center of my three-year investigation for the BBC. He glared at me, his lips tightly pressed together and chin raised, as he awaited judgment.
This week, Jeffries was arrested by the FBI, charged alongside his British partner Matthew Smith and middleman James Jacobson, with operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring. My podcast series, “The Abercrombie Guys,” served as a catalyst for the authorities’ actions, revealing the extent of Jeffries’ and Smith’s involvement in a complex global network recruiting young men for sexual exploitation.
Once the eccentric CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Jeffries was portrayed as a genius with a flair for the dramatic—blonde highlights, flip-flops, and cosmetic enhancements embodying the youthful, All-American brand he cultivated. Now, however, he sat before the judge wearing an ankle monitor, his hair turned gray, and fillers removed—a stark contrast to the powerful figure who allegedly wielded his influence to manipulate vulnerable models.
US prosecutors allege that from 2008 to 2015, Jeffries and his accomplices used force, fraud, and coercion to compel men into degrading and violent sexual acts. If convicted, they could face life sentences.
As his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty, Jeffries’ demeanor was slouched and expressionless. Meanwhile, Smith remains at large, considered a flight risk, and is currently detained as they await trial.
Reflecting on how my investigation began back in January 2021, it’s hard to believe it would transpire to this point. During the pandemic, while researching the fashion industry, I stumbled upon a comment on Instagram from Barrett Pall, a former model.
In a group discussion about the widespread abuse of male models, one comment read, “We’ve seen it happen with #MeToo, how about #UsToo?” After connecting with Pall, he confided in me about a traumatic experience, recalling, “It’s probably the darkest experience I’ve ever dealt with. They had someone come and shave me, like my whole body, because that’s how they like the boys.”
Barrett detailed how, at age 22, he was introduced to Jacobson, who he described as a middleman with a snakeskin patch covering a missing nose. This connection led to an unsettling audition involving a sexual act before he was sent on to Jeffries and Smith, who were purportedly hosting lavish sex parties at their Hamptons estate.
My investigation, which involved extensive traveling across America, from the suburbs of Ohio to Palm Springs, aimed to uncover the truth about these allegations. I knocked on doors, scoured social media, and compiled accounts from former Abercrombie models and ex-staffers, earning their trust over time.
A significant breakthrough came when Barrett found an old iPad that had ceased working. Once repaired, it revealed itineraries and flight tickets linked to events he’d attended, including names and contact information of others involved. Collecting over a dozen such documents provided the credible leads I needed to move forward.
Many men I approached were hesitant to talk, with some even suspecting I was working for Jeffries. Interestingly, I began facing a barrage of hacking attempts as the investigation continued, amplifying the risk.
Prosecutors noted that Jeffries employed a full-service security firm to enforce non-disclosure agreements, monitor potential threats, and intimidate those who might expose the truth. Conversations with more than 20 individuals who attended or organized events for Jeffries revealed a repetition of deception, with some men indicating they felt coerced into risky situations under false pretenses.
Many shared deep-seated shame over their experiences, which silenced them far more effectively than any legal contract. Some men confided that I was the first person they had shared their stories with, reflecting a profound isolation born from fear.
One man, whom I’ll refer to as Alex, recounted a traumatic event in Marrakesh where he claimed to have been drugged and raped. He believed it led to contracting HIV, positioning Jeffries as the orchestrator of a dark and disturbing narrative.
Before our report was published in October 2023, I ensured meticulous verification of my findings, engaging even with Jacobson himself. During our meetings, he displayed a mix of charisma and disbelief at the situation he found himself in, repeatedly requesting to evade blame in exchange for information.
After our story broke, some individuals involved initiated legal action against Jeffries, Smith, and Abercrombie & Fitch, alleging rape, assault, and sex trafficking—all parties deny any wrongdoing. Reports indicated that more than 100 men may have been victimized under Jeffries’ reign.
Notably, I maintained my commitment to protecting my sources throughout this ordeal. As I wrap up this chapter of the investigation, I recall Barrett Pall’s emotional plea to me: “My gut said trust her. Tell her your story. Maybe, just maybe, someone will listen.”
When announcing the charges, US Attorney Breon Peace made it clear: “To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using the so-called ‘casting couch’ system, this case should serve as a warning. Prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison.”