Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO fit to stand trial, prison officials say

December 11, 2025

Mike Jeffries, the 81-year-old former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, has been deemed mentally competent to face sex-trafficking and prostitution charges after initially being declared incompetent due to dementia and Alzheimer's disease in May. Following court-ordered treatment at a federal medical facility, prison medical experts including a neuropsychologist and psychologist determined he can now understand the proceedings and assist in his defense. Jeffries, along with his British partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson, faces charges of running an international sex-trafficking operation targeting aspiring male models between 2008 and 2015.

Who is affected

Mike Jeffries (former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, defendant)
Matthew Smith (Jeffries' British partner, co-defendant)
James Jacobson (alleged middleman, co-defendant)
Over 40 alleged male victims who have come forward with claims of rape, sexual assault, or drugging
Vulnerable men and aspiring models allegedly targeted between 2008-2015
Abercrombie & Fitch (facing civil lawsuits and required to pay Jeffries' defense costs)
Anonymous alleged victim interviewed by the FBI

What action is being taken

Prosecutors are requesting a trial date for October 2026
A final competency hearing is being scheduled for early 2026
Abercrombie & Fitch is paying for Mr Jeffries' criminal defense costs as required by a March court ruling
All three defendants are defending themselves against multiple civil lawsuits brought by alleged victims

Why it matters

This case represents significant accountability for alleged systematic sexual exploitation of vulnerable men by powerful figures in the fashion industry who allegedly used their wealth and influence to prey on aspiring models. The determination of Jeffries' competency means that decades of alleged sex-trafficking can finally be examined in criminal court, providing potential justice for over 40 men who have come forward with allegations. The case highlights how positions of power in the fashion industry may have been abused to facilitate sexual crimes, and it demonstrates the long path survivors often face in seeking accountability through the legal system.

What's next

A final competency hearing will be set for early 2026
Prosecutors have requested a trial date for October 2026
The criminal and civil legal proceedings against all three defendants will continue

Read full article from source: BBC