Abercrombie & Fitch will investigate allegations against its former CEO, Mike Jeffries, of pimping out men for sex. The firm said the claims stunned it because Jeffries left nearly a decade ago, in 2014. Jeffries retired after several sales declines at Abercrombie & Fitch stores and some public debate about comments he made concerning the brand's image being reserved for "cool" and "good-looking" people. He also ruffled feathers by featuring half-naked teen models in advertising and shirtless male employees in stores.

Involvement in the events run by him and a partner of his in other countries led Jeffries to receive accusations, with certain men claiming that they had been exploited for sex. The men mentioned that it was assured to them that going to those events would pave their way into getting into modelling gigs for the brand. An outside law firm is examining all these complaints.

During Jeffries' tenure at Abercrombie & Fitch, the chain had been accused of racial insensitivity tied to marketing and later paid $40 million over a workplace discrimination lawsuit. According to company claims, its current management team, besides the board of directors, had no idea about any of these complaints.

Eight men reportedly spoke to the BBC and claimed they were exploited at those parties between 2009 and 2015. Emails, flight tickets, and other documents in support of their allegations were collected as part of this investigation. Jeffries himself has opted not to comment on any of these claims.

Abercrombie & Fitch condemned abuse, harassment, or discrimination in return and also stressed that its brand and culture had transformed under new management over the past ten years.

An internal company inquiry will now be set up regarding these weighty allegations made against its former CEO.