A guest who attended an event organized by the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch claims to have been sexually assaulted.
A guest who was emotional at an event organized by former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries shared with BBC Panorama that he thinks he was given drugs and sexually assaulted at the event, which led to him contracting the HIV virus.
- Claims made in BBC Panorama – The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool
Tonight, a guest attending a gathering organized by the ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and his British companion expressed concerns about potentially contracting HIV. The individual believes they were subjected to drug-induced incapacitation and sexual assault by another male attendee.
The BBC’s Panorama program published a collection of claims stating that a well-coordinated group utilized an intermediary to locate young men for businessman Mike Jeffries, aged 79, and Matthew Smith, aged 60.
The documentary investigation claimed to have interviewed eight individuals, a few of whom claimed to have been taken advantage of at various locations such as the US, London, Paris, Venice, Marrakesh, and the Caribbean.
One of them, who called himself Alex to protect his family, told how he believed it was likely he contracted HIV after being drug raped at one of the occasions.
He was in his 20s and straight when he went to an event in Marakesh where there were up to 80 other men.
He informed the program that there was a display involving certain boys, where individuals were positioned face down in the water with their buttocks raised.
Ten years ago, there was a picture of Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch.
During his interview, Barrett Pall made a sequence of accusations when speaking to the program.
One individual, who identified as Alex to safeguard his family, shared his belief that he likely acquired HIV after experiencing sexual assault while under the influence of drugs at a particular event.
In the back, they offered us the option to have champagne and provided a large container of Viagra.
‘I was completely taken aback as I had never witnessed anything of this nature before.’
He performed for Jeffries and Smith and alleges that the CEO forcefully pulled his head towards him and engaged in a passionate kiss, comparing it to a whale.
He experienced unease and retreated to a separate room where he eventually dozed off. However, he mentioned in the statement: ‘Upon awakening, I sensed an unsettling feeling. It seemed as though someone had surreptitiously spiked my beverage with a date rape drug.’
“I discovered a condom and expressed my belief that there is a high likelihood that I was drugged and sexually assaulted. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that I will ever have complete certainty about the events that transpired.”
Alex became emotional later in the show when he disclosed that he had begun to feel unwell and was subsequently diagnosed with HIV.
He stated that everything was completely disrupted and has not been the same ever since.
“It is highly unlikely that it originated from a source outside the Marakesh event.”
Panorama stated that numerous incidents were associated with.The men engaged in sexual activities and claimed that they were recruited by a middleman named James Jacobson, who denies any misconduct. Mr. Jacobson had a snakeskin patch on his nose, which he said was the result of a failed surgery.
Fifty percent stated that they were given inaccurate information regarding the nature of the events or were not informed about the sexual aspect, whereas others acknowledged being aware of the involvement of sex but were uncertain about the specific expectations placed upon them.
It was mentioned that there were discussions about potential modeling opportunities with A&F prior to their meeting with Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith.
David Bradberry, who was 23 at the time, shared with the program that he was introduced to Mr. Jacobson through an agent who referred to him as the person in charge of granting access to the individuals who own A&F.
It was mentioned that there were discussions about potential modeling prospects with A&F even before they encountered Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith, as shown in the picture.
The BBC reported that there were accusations of a “highly coordinated group” utilizing an intermediary to locate young men for businessman Mike Jeffries, aged 79.
James Jacobson, who has been accused of no wrongdoing, was identified as the middleman by the men who claimed to have been recruited by him.
Modelling opportunities with A&F were said to have been raised before they met Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith, pictured
He told reporter Rianna Croxford Mr Jacobson suggested Bruce Weber, who at the time was A&F’s official photographer, should take his picture.
Mr. Bradberry stated that Jim explicitly communicated to him that in order to have a meeting with Abercrombie & Fitch or Mike Jeffries, he would need to agree to engage in oral sexual activity.
I was unable to move. It felt as if he was offering popularity, but the cost was obedience.
Mr. Bradberry expressed his belief that this is the place where everyone begins their journey.
It is alleged that Mr. Jacobson provided him with $500, stating that it was compensation for his time.
He stated: ‘I perceived him as a strange elderly man whom I assumed I wouldn’t encounter in the future’.
He accepted an invitation to a daytime event at Mr Jeffries’ former home in the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island – recently sold for $29m. Mr Bradberry said he understood Mike Jeffries was a ‘powerful man’ who could ‘make his career’.
Before the event, he mentioned receiving an A&F gift-card to purchase an attire, which he believed added a sense of authenticity and formality to the occasion.
At the Hamptons, Mr. Bradberry mentioned discussing his desire to become an A&F model with Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith. Afterwards, he claimed that Mr. Jeffries exposed him to ‘poppers’, a drug known for inducing intense head rushes and disorientation, and engaged in sexual activity with him.
David Bradberry had aspirations of becoming an actor, however, he unexpectedly received an invitation to attend one of the ‘events’.
On January 13, 2009, in New York, Michael S. Jeffries, the chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, delivers a speech at the yearly National Retail Federation conference.
In 2011, Barrett Pall, who transitioned from being a model to becoming a life coach and activist, expressed that he experienced coercion to participate in an event held in the Hamptons.
On July 12, 2010, there were shopping bags placed outside Abercrombie and Fitch store located at Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA.
According to male attendees, Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith were reportedly involved in sexual activities with approximately four men during these events. Alternatively, they were said to be instructing the men to engage in sexual acts with each other. Following these encounters, the men claimed to have received envelopes containing large sums of money in cash.
Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith did not provide any comments despite repeated requests from the BBC. However, Jacobson stated that all the men were fully aware of the circumstances surrounding these events.
The BBC reported that two ex-American prosecutors, after conducting separate reviews of documents and testimonies, have urged for an investigation to ascertain if charges related to sex trafficking should be filed.
According to United States legislation, sex trafficking involves coercing or deceiving an adult into traveling to another state or country with the intention of engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money.
Other allegations on the Panorama special, The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool include recruiters of the men would get The price range for each one is between $500 and $1,000.
Mr. Jacobson is facing allegations of soliciting or engaging in sexual acts, specifically requesting or offering to perform oral sex, prior to being introduced to Mr. Jeffries.
Mr. Pall informed journalist Rianna Croxford that he claims to have been subjected to oral sexual activity by supposed individuals recruited for the occasion, while Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith observed.
David Bradberry, then 23, told the programme he was introduced to Mr Jacobson by an agent who described him as the gatekeeper to ‘the owners’ of A&F
A placard of Abercrombie & Fitch hangs at the Abercrombie & Fitch store during the opening of Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store on October 25, 2012 in Munich
Some individuals have alleged that a personal ‘groomer’ was employed to perform intimate body hair shaving on male attendees at events. This encounter was described by some as being degrading.
The men allegedly had to sign non-disclosure agreements and were aware that they could face legal action if they revealed the information.
Mr Jeffries’ personal staff, who wore A&F uniforms, are also said to have supervised the men – including in the bedroom – and handed them money afterwards
In 2011, Barrett Pall, who used to work as a model but now works as a life coach and activist, expressed that he experienced a sense of obligation to attend an event in the Hamptons.
At the age of 22, he informed the BBC that he was approached by an older individual, who was compensated with a referral fee, to serve as a substitute for a “sexual encounter” involving the couple.
He mentioned that the previous version informed him that he had the freedom to choose what he wanted to do, but hinted that the more effort he put in, the more rewarding it would be, especially in terms of career prospects. Upon reaching the event, where there were staff members overseeing everything, he felt compelled to meet certain expectations and excel.
“He expressed his uncertainty about how he would be able to depart as he did not possess a car. Additionally, he mentioned the presence of a supervisor who was constantly monitoring his actions.”
Mr. Pall stated that during the event, one of the other men who were recruited engaged in oral sexual activity with him while Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith observed. He mentioned that they then encouraged him to approach the bed and kiss Mr. Jeffries. Additionally, he mentioned that later on, two more men who were recruited for the event had sexual intercourse with the A&F boss and his partner.
The programme alleged the men were invited to attend events hosted by the fashion firm boss
At a certain moment, he alleged that Mr. Jeffries was following him and inappropriately touching him.
According to the BBC, Brad Edwards, a civil attorney who has reviewed the evidence, suggests that US prosecutors should look into the possibility of sex trafficking based on the accounts provided by these courageous individuals.
Mr. Edwards mentioned that there could be signs of coercion among certain individuals, while others may not have experienced any coercive methods.
He added that coercion refers to the belief that significant harm, such as damage to reputation, finances, or physical well-being, is likely to occur.
Mr Edwards also mentioned that Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith may claim that they were consenting adults, and the fact that some of them had previously engaged in paid sexual activities was a consideration. However, he stated that past actions were not truly relevant in determining if a specific commercial sex act was a result of force, fraud, or coercion. Mr Edwards acknowledged that prosecutors faced a significant burden of proof in such cases.
Elizabeth Geddes, a former federal prosecutor with over 15 years of experience, suggested that there is a valid argument for considering the possibility of coercion in the case of these young men. She believes that it would be appropriate for a prosecutor to initiate an investigation and thoroughly examine this behavior to ascertain if it warrants criminal charges.
Mr Jacobson – the middleman, now aged 70 – said in a statement through his lawyer that he took offence at the suggestion of ‘any coercive, deceptive or forceful behaviour on my part’ and had ‘no knowledge of any such conduct by others’.
He stated that he could not remember making any commitments regarding modeling prospects.
“I cannot reword.”
Both Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith refused to provide a comment to the BBC.
An Abercrombie & Fitch Co spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We are appalled and disgusted by the behavior described in the allegations against Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended in 2014, nearly ten years ago.
‘Speaking up and coming forward is not easy, and our thoughts are with those who bravely raised their voices. Since being contacted by the BBC, we have engaged an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the issues raised.
The allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Jeffries were not known by the company’s current executive leadership team and board of directors.
‘For close to a decade, a new executive leadership team and refreshed board of directors have successfully transformed our brands and culture into the values-driven organization we are today. We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or discrimination of any kind.’
BBC Panorama – The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool and World of Secrets Season One: The Abercrombie Guys on BBC Sounds
