Abercrombie & Fitch, former CEO Mike Jeffries accused of running trafficking operation
CBSMAY 2023
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Released on Bail After Arrest on Sex Trafficking Allegations
Above: An Abercrombie & Fitch store in the Soho neighborhood of New York, US, on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. Image copyright: Yuki Iwamura/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
For too long, the powerful have preyed on vulnerable people by abusing them in exchange for the prospect of career advancement. Evidently, this pattern of exploitation was present at Abercrombie & Fitch. This indictment shows that these types of vile actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Narrative B
While the horrific nature of the charges brought against the ex-Abercrombie CEO are undeniable, there is little evidence that the business has been in any way affected. Jeffries left the company in 2014, and since then Abercrombie has been incredibly successful in defending their brand image irrespective of the dark content of these legal proceedings.