I Tried to Say No Repeatedly': More Men Accuse Ex-Abercrombie Boss Over Sex

The growing allegations against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, have cast a long, dark shadow over his controversial legacy. A new wave of accusations has emerged, with several men stepping forward to reveal disturbing details of alleged sexual exploitation at events organized or attended by Jeffries. These accounts, involving men from various walks of life, offer a chilling glimpse into what they describe as coercive and manipulative sexual encounters, challenging the glossy image once cultivated by the brand under his leadership.

Mike Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch during its peak years, has long been known for his strict and controversial management style, his obsession with youth and beauty, and the overtly sexual marketing campaigns that turned the brand into a global powerhouse. However, behind the images of half-naked models and the allure of exclusivity, these recent allegations paint a different picture—one of exploitation and power dynamics that left many men feeling degraded and violated.

According to several accusers, Jeffries, along with his longtime partner Matthew Smith, allegedly used their positions of wealth and influence to lure young men into situations that soon spiraled into unwanted sexual acts. The men, many of whom were recruited under the guise of professional opportunities, describe being invited to lavish, private events, only to find themselves pressured into participating in sexual activities. In a recurring pattern, accusers allege they were flown to Jeffries' extravagant homes or to other luxury venues around the world, including in New York and France, where the environment quickly turned hostile if they refused to comply with sexual advances.

One of the latest accusers, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recounted how he was promised a chance to network and advance his career, only to be placed in an increasingly uncomfortable situation. "I tried to say no repeatedly," he said in a recent interview, his voice shaky as he recalled the events. "But it was clear that saying no wasn't an option. I felt trapped." His account mirrors those of several other men, who claim they too were led into what they believed were exclusive parties or gatherings, only to realize that their participation in sexual activities was expected—and, in some cases, demanded.

The coercive nature of these alleged encounters is a central theme in the accusations. Some of the men have spoken about the subtle, yet intense, pressure they felt to comply. One accuser detailed how he was flown to a private villa, where a select group of young, attractive men was present. Initially, the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, but as the night wore on, the mood shifted. "There was no clear moment when things turned, but suddenly, there was this understanding that if you didn't go along with it, you wouldn't be invited back. There were consequences."

Several men described feeling isolated and unable to leave once they were in these situations. In some cases, they were financially dependent on Jeffries or Smith, either through job prospects or direct payments, which made it difficult for them to extricate themselves from the arrangement. Others felt emotionally manipulated, with Jeffries and Smith allegedly playing on their vulnerabilities, offering praise and attention one moment, then withdrawing it the next if they resisted.

The allegations have opened a floodgate of questions about how such behavior could have gone unnoticed or unchallenged for so long. While whispers of Jeffries' unconventional lifestyle and personal proclivities have long swirled within fashion and business circles, few could have predicted the sheer scale of the accusations now coming to light. Some industry insiders have expressed shock, while others admit that rumors of inappropriate behavior had persisted for years but were never thoroughly investigated.

For Abercrombie & Fitch, the revelations are particularly damaging, given the brand's already controversial history during Jeffries' tenure. Under his leadership, the company became synonymous with a specific brand of exclusionary marketing, which was aimed at attracting young, attractive, and predominantly white customers. Jeffries once famously stated that the brand was "exclusionary" by design, sparking outrage for its lack of diversity and its glorification of a narrow standard of beauty.

In recent years, Abercrombie & Fitch has worked to rehabilitate its image, embracing more inclusive marketing strategies and distancing itself from its former CEO. However, these new accusations have revived discussions about the toxic culture that once defined the brand, as well as the ways in which power, wealth, and beauty intersected to create an environment ripe for abuse.

The legal ramifications of these allegations remain unclear, but the men involved are pushing for accountability. Some are seeking civil damages, while others are calling for criminal investigations into Jeffries, Smith, and any other individuals who may have been complicit in these events. There is also growing pressure on Abercrombie & Fitch to address the issue publicly, with critics demanding that the company take responsibility for fostering a culture that allowed such behavior to go unchecked.

As the accusations mount, the spotlight on Mike Jeffries grows harsher. Once celebrated for transforming Abercrombie & Fitch into a global fashion icon, he now faces the possibility of a very different legacy—one defined not by success, but by scandal. For the men who have come forward, the hope is that their stories will lead to justice and that others who may have suffered similar experiences will feel empowered to speak out. Many of them acknowledge the difficulty of coming forward, especially given Jeffries' wealth and connections, but they are determined to hold him accountable.

The broader implications of these allegations extend beyond Jeffries himself. They raise uncomfortable questions about the fashion industry's longstanding issues with exploitation, particularly of young men and women who are often lured by promises of fame and fortune. As the #MeToo movement continues to evolve, these stories of sexual abuse and coercion serve as stark reminders of the systemic problems that persist in industries where power imbalances can so easily be exploited.

In the wake of these revelations, it remains to be seen how Jeffries, Abercrombie & Fitch, and the fashion world at large will respond. But one thing is certain: the era of silence surrounding these issues is over, and the voices of the victims are finally being heard. As more men come forward, their collective stories have the potential to reshape not just the narrative around Mike Jeffries, but the broader conversation about abuse of power in high-profile industries.

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