Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Declared Mentally Unfit Amid Legal Struggles

Mike Jeffries, the former head of Abercrombie & Fitch, is grappling with late-onset Alzheimer's and dementia, as revealed in court filings amid his legal troubles over serious federal sex trafficking allegations.

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), has been diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to legal documents submitted by his defense team in a New York court. His lawyers have sought a competency hearing to determine whether he can stand trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The 80-year-old was arrested in October alongside his partner and their intermediary, facing accusations of orchestrating an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation. They have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty.

Federal prosecutors assert that Jeffries exploited his wealth and status to engage in sex trafficking, claiming that he and his partner, British national Matthew Smith, victimized vulnerable models through coercion and fraud over several years. The FBI opened an investigation after a report by the BBC highlighted allegations that the pair had sexually exploited young men at high-profile worldwide events. Jeffries' lawyer, Brian Bieber, disclosed that multiple neuropsychologist exams indicated significant cognitive decline, raising concerns about his ability to participate in his legal defense.

A two-day competency hearing is scheduled for June 2025 to assess Jeffries' mental fitness for trial. Meanwhile, he is embroiled in a civil lawsuit accusing Abercrombie of financing his alleged trafficking activities. Last month, Jeffries pursued legal action against A&F after the company declined to cover his legal expenses, citing an agreement for indemnification related to his former CEO role.