#402: Ex Abercrombie CEO Accused of Global S*x Trafficking Ring of Models - Epstein & Diddy Connection

Abercrombie & Fitch, the iconic American retailer known for its casual, all-American style, has faced scrutiny and legal action over its discriminatory and unethical business practices, particularly those related to its hiring, employee treatment, and marketing strategies.

Abercrombie Intentionally Discriminated Against Employees and Customers Based on Appearance and Demographics

Abercrombie & Fitch's brand image has been notorious for excluding anyone who didn't fit within its narrow definition of beauty. Mike Jeffries, the company's former CEO, stated that Abercrombie hires good-looking people to attract other good-looking people, explicitly stating that the brand is exclusionary, targeting the "attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends." He has acknowledged that their clothing does not suit everybody and that they intentionally market to a particular segment.

Abercrombie Preferred to Hire and Showcase "Attractive" and "All-American" Employees, Excluding Those Who Did Not Fit Their Narrow Beauty Standards

The company's employee lookbook specified a desired appearance that included open button-down shirts, skinny jeans cuffed at 1.25 inches, and natural and well-kept hairstyles. Managers and recruiters were advised to hire good-looking guys from top fraternities and models who could influence others based on their physical appeal, significantly featuring shirtless male models in stores and marketing material.

Ethnic minorities and overweight people were generally relegated to work in the stockroom. Instances were cited in which employees were fired after gaining weight. The focus on hiring "attractive" employees at the expense of all others was so rigorous that employees who did not fit the "look" were frequently denied work hours or were fired.

Abercrombie Refused to Sell Certain Clothing Sizes and Styles, Alienating Customers Who Did Not Match Their Exclusionary Brand Image

Mike Jeffries also supported the decision not to sell extra-large or XXL women’s clothing in an effort to maintain the brand's image. Managers and employees were encouraged to mock overweight customers who could not find their sizes in the store, as most items did not go above size 12.

Abercrombie also stirred controversy by attempting to sell push-up bikini tops and thongs targeted at children ages 8 to 14, featuring suggestive phrases. The brand's defense that such products were "lighthearted and cute" highlighted their disconnect with public sentiment and ethical marketing.

Abercrombie Created a Toxic and Unethical Work Culture Focused on Superficial Aesthetics

Abercrombie's internal culture was highly toxic, with regular enforcement of the company's rigid "look policy." Employees were expected to strictly adhere to fashion guidelines, which specified hairstyles, clothing, and grooming. The company's promotional methods and internal hierarchy were equally driven by superficial standards, often placing physical attractiveness above job performance.

Abercrombie Employees Were Required to Strictly Adhere to the Company's Rigid "Look Policy" Regarding Hairstyles, Clothing, and Grooming

Employees were forced to conform to strict and often discriminatory look policies. For instance, hairstyles depicted in the look book favored white models over black models with dreadlocks. Employees were sometimes fired or not scheduled if they changed their hairstyle, gained weight, or other ...

A federal indictment alleges that former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries and his associates were implicated in operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring, with several victims coming forward with accusations of coercion into sexual acts and exploitation. Additionally, Abercrombie's photography director, Bruce Weber, faced allegations of sexual misconduct towards models.

Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries and his associates were accused of operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring

From about 2008 to 2015, Michael S. Jeffries, then Abercrombie CEO, along with associates Matthew C. Smith and James T. Jacobson, were accused of running a sex trafficking ring. The indictment details coercive sexual acts and painful procedures forced upon victims, including non-consensual injections that prosecutors claim were for the gratification of Jeffries and Smith.

Victims alleged they were coerced into sexual acts through abuse of Jeffries' power and influence

Jeffries hosted events at his Hamptons mansion, with house staff being required to leave during "Mike's play time," according to a former employee. Victims have reported being coerced into changing their appearance and engaging in sexual acts, feeling controlled and exploited by those in charge. Allegations have been made of a systematic process of recruitment, grooming, and exploitation, with victims reporting feelings of worthlessness and being treated in a dehumanizing manner. Payments and promises of professional opportunities were reportedly used to justify and entice victims into compliance.

Victims described a systematic process of recruitment, grooming, and exploitation by Jeffries and his associates

The operation was described as highly organized, allegedly involving hundreds of individuals who coordinated fake casting calls and travel arrangements, all under the guise of legitimacy provided by a complicit corporate institution. Jeffries was charged with sex trafficking, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $10 million bond for trial. He along with Smith and Jacobson, face potential life sentences.

The federal indictment alleges the defendants subjected victims to painful and dangerous sexual acts, including non-consensual injections

Indictments allege that victims were subjected to dangerous and non-consensual procedures, including penile injections. The alleged acts were said to cause severe injury and were part of the abuse suffered by the victims at the hands of the accused.

Abercrombie's photography director, Bruce Weber, was also accused of sexual misconduct towards ...

Abercrombie & Fitch's journey from being a staple in teen fashion to facing significant backlash and dwindling relevance offers a cautionary tale about the perils of an inflexible and exclusionary brand identity.

Abercrombie achieved massive success and popularity by aggressively marketing a highly exclusive brand image

Mike Jeffries reinvented what was once a random fishing brand into a symbol of teen exclusivity and attractiveness. He segmented the brand to symbolize various stages of growth: kids with Abercrombie, high schoolers with Hollister, and college students with Abercrombie & Fitch. Jeffries market positioning targeted the social pinnacle of the youth hierarchy—"the quarterback and head of the cheerleaders." The brand's image of coolness was meticulously crafted, with Jeffries having poster boards dictating what Abercrombie was and what it wasn't – for example, an Abercrombie dog is a golden retriever, not a poodle, and the Abercrombie college kid drives a Jeep, not a sedan.

Abercrombie was noted for a sexualized Ivy League aesthetic, with CEO Mike Jeffries perfecting this vision across all sub-brands. The brand's presentation included explicitly detailed mannequins, with skinnier legs for females and lowered jeans to make male mannequins' "packages" more pronounced. Employees delivered scripted catchphrases and praised items that were marketed to "make you look like a star." Even the company jet adhered to strict appearance and scent requirements.

Jeffries's strategy included provocative advertising—often featuring scantily clad models—which helped profits soar to $2 billion in 2006. Abercrombie managed to merge the sex appeal of Calvin Klein with the preppiness of Ralph Lauren, thus selling not just clothing but also the intangible allure of belonging and confidence.

The marketing presented Abercrombie as a fantasy of youth: bags featured half-naked models representing a glorified, sexualized dream. Jeffries posited that this was a healthy depiction of the playfulness and camaraderie of youth.

Abercrombie's brand image and business practices eventually led to its downfall

Societal attitudes eventually shifted, and Abercrombie's exclusionary and sexualized marketing came under intense criticism. One notorious issue was the Quarterly magazine where actual clothing wasn't featured until deep into the publication. Controversial products, such as push-up bikini tops and thongs for young girls, further fueled the controversies.

Despite Jeffries's insistence on creating an emotionally charged shopping experience, the brand had to reconcile with a new reality. Abercrombie eventually expanded their sizing to be more inclusive, a stark contrast to their previous policy of not offering size above 10. In 2023, Abercrombie's stock indicated a potential comeback, hinting at a successful rebranding effort focused on s ...