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The Abercrombie & Fitch scandal involving former CEO Mike Jeffries and his British partner raises questions about exploitation in the fashion industry, with disturbing allegations that could be a “Men-Too” moment for the business. The couple allegedly lured young male models with promises of career opportunities and exposed them to coercive, drug-fueled environments. These models, hoping to break into the fashion industry, have reported sexual abuse and exploitation in an industry where opportunities are rare and power imbalances are vast.
Models, not connected to the allegations, pose for an Abercrombie & Fitch campaign
The allegations detail recruitment efforts at fashion events, where prospective models were flown to meet Jeffries and his partner, with claims that they were manipulated into situations with drugs, alcohol, and intimidation. Models have described feeling trapped and pressured to comply, fearing that resisting might destroy their careers before they even started. This has struck a nerve in an industry that has faced growing scrutiny over exploitation but has rarely seen male voices emerge to challenge such power structures.
For decades, fashion scandals have largely revolved around female models and abuse by powerful men, most notably in the #MeToo movement. Male models, however, have historically had fewer outlets to address their experiences of abuse, and these allegations shine a light on issues of consent and exploitation for men in fashion.
Systemic Power Imbalances in Fashion
Fashion is an industry built on asymmetrical power dynamics, and stories of coercion and abuse often reflect the stark differences between the gatekeepers and the talent hoping to break through. Young models—often men in this case—find themselves in settings where personal boundaries are blurred by the expectation to please influential figures. With male models often overlooked in discussions about exploitation, these allegations bring to light the need for systems that protect all models from predatory behavior, regardless of gender.
A Broader Conversation About Men in Fashion
The fashion industry has been slow to provide men with resources to safely report abuse and feel supported in an environment that still lacks diversity in conversations about consent. If these claims are substantiated, it could trigger overdue reform in the way male models are recruited, treated, and safeguarded in the industry.
As more survivors come forward with their stories, it’s possible the fashion industry will face pressure to address the culture that enables such exploitation. While the allegations against Jeffries and his partner are still under investigation, they hint at deeper issues in the industry—suggesting that men in fashion may finally find a voice in an industry long overdue for a reckoning with power and gender.
Jeffries' reign at Abercrombie & Fitch was dominated by its controversial brand image and the equally controversial remarks he made about his customer base
