Edwards Henderson Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Abercrombie & Fitch and Michael S. Jeffries

Edwards Henderson filed a lawsuit on behalf of a class of current and former male Abercrombie & Fitch (Abercrombie) models who allege they were sexually trafficked and sexually assaulted by former CEO Michael S. Jeffries and his partner Matthew Smith. The lawsuit, which was filed on October 27, 2023 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, was filed on behalf of David Bradberry and all those similarly harmed. The complaint estimates that there may be more than 100 former or current Abercrombie models who were sexually abused and trafficked by Jeffries and his accomplices. Many men have recently come forward alleging that they were abused and/or injected with drugs by the defendants. 

Standing up to powerful corporations and figures for committing heinous crimes is not out of the ordinary for Edwards Henderson. We were instrumental in achieving justice for the survivors of notorious sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices. Our sexual abuse law firm has achieved multi-million dollar verdicts and recoveries against other notable figures and companies. We are currently helping Abercrombie models (among many others) secure justice and compensation for the harm they suffered.

Jeffries Created and Exploited an Abercrombie Brand that ‘Sizzled With Sex,’ Lawsuit Alleges

Michael Jeffries served as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014. The complaint details that he helped skyrocket the profits of the retail clothing store chain, largely by reinventing the brand through the use of hyper-sexualized models and marketing materials. 

Many young men and women aspired to become an Abercrombie & Fitch model. These models were seen as “attractive” and “cool”, which Jeffries hoped helped the store appeal to good looking patrons. Over the years, Abercrombie stores became known for resembling more of a nightclub than a retail store, with pictures of their half-clothed models adorning the walls while music blasted and the lights remained dim.

In creating a brand that “sizzled with sex,” Jeffries made becoming an Abercrombie model an extremely coveted role among aspiring models. However, the job allegedly had a dark side. While the modeling industry is rife with issues objectifying the bodies of models, Abercrombie models faced unique and appalling levels of sexual harassment that extended as far as sexual assault and trafficking, according to numerous reports.

Former Abercrombie Models Claim that Their Jobs Were Contingent on Engaging in Sexual Acts With Jeffries and Others

Jeffries leveraged modeling scouts and auditions, all financially supported by the Abercrombie brand, to allegedly feed his own sexual exploits. Young male models claimed that in order to realize their dream of becoming an Abercrombie model, they had to be sexually abused by Jeffries and Smith. According to reports, modeling scouts and others within the company even communicated this appalling arrangement to young models. 

The plaintiffs (i.e. the models) claim that the typical process of auditioning to become an Abercrombie model started with meeting with a scout who often pressured the model to have sex before advancing to the next round with Jeffries. Once the models met with Jeffries in person, usually in his home in New York City or in the Hamptons, they were asked to strip down. After doing so, they were allegedly handed an NDA to sign before engaging in sexual acts with Jeffries, Smith, and others Reports suggest that this sometimes included Abercrombie photographer Bruce Weber who was hired by Jeffries and is accused of sexually assaulting more than 20 current and former models.

Once they earned the coveted role of Abercrombie model, Jeffries allegedly often shuttled them between his homes and other locations, including in London and Marrakech, to join sex parties with Jeffries and Smith. The complaint states that this was often funded by Abercrombie. The plaintiffs claim that refusing to engage in these parties and acts often meant losing their dream jobs. Former model and lead plaintiff David Bradberry said he was told his modeling job at Abercrombie was contingent on continuing to engage in sexual acts with Jeffries and others.

Class Action Alleges Abercrombie Intentionally Supported and Benefited From Jeffries’ Sex Trafficking Operation

The class action lawsuit was filed under the federal Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA) and the New York Adult Survivors Act against Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Michael S. Jeffries, Matthew Smith, and The Jeffries Family Office.

The lawsuit alleges that Abercrombie was complicit in the ongoing sex trafficking operation. Further, due to the company’s financial contributions and knowledge of the abuse that was occurring, their involvement in the operation was intentional. Rather than fire and report Jeffries, the company chose financial profits in exchange for facilitating his sex trafficking, the complaint claims.

Throughout Jeffries’ tenure as CEO, Abercrombie allegedly financially supported his international sex trafficking and sexual abuse. The lawsuit alleges Abercrombie was negligent in the following ways:

• Failed to remove Jeffries from his position as CEO despite having knowledge of the sex crimes he was committing.
• Failed to report Jeffries to the relevant authorities despite having reasonable belief that he was violating U.S. laws.
• Provided Jeffries with access to corporate funds, including access to jets and other forms of transportation, to travel to and host sex parties.
• Participated in official model auditions by providing prospective models with transportation to Jeffries home and access to Abercrombie clothing.
• Financially rewarded Jeffries with millions of dollars in compensation throughout his years of abusing Abercrombie models, including a $25 million retirement package in 2014.

Ultimately, the lawsuit alleges, “Abercrombie’s support allowed Jeffries to rape, sexually assault, and sex traffic David Bradberry, Barrett Pall, and others.”

When Abercrombie funds weren’t used, it was the Jeffries Family Office (another party listed as a defendant on the complaint) that allegedly paid for the sex parties and other sex trafficking costs. Through Jeffries tenure, however, his family office was allegedly in frequent communication with Abercrombie about the recruitment of potential models, sex parties, and more.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Brad Edwards of Edwards Henderson, told ABC News in a statement: “As we laid out in our lawsuit, this was an Abercrombie run, sex trafficking organization that permeated throughout the company and allowed the three individuals arrested today to victimize dozens and dozens of young, aspiring male models.“

Were You Sexually Abused? Contact Edwards Henderson to Learn More About How We Can Help

No one’s dream career should come at the inhumane cost of being sexually trafficked and abused. Edwards Henderson is fighting on behalf of all former and current Abercrombie models who were assaulted by former CEO Michael Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and others within the company to help them obtain the justice they deserve.

If you were sexually abused, we encourage you to contact our sex abuse lawyers to learn more about your legal rights and options. Our consultations are confidential and free of charge. Please contact us today to learn more.