Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Diagnosed with Dementia, Faces Legal Challenges

Mike Jeffries has been diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's, raising questions about his competency in a federal sex trafficking trial set for June 2025.

The former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), Mike Jeffries, is confronting serious legal battles as new court filings reveal claims of dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. His legal representatives submitted this information to a New York court in hopes of securing a competency hearing that will assess whether Jeffries is mentally fit to defend himself against federal sex trafficking charges.

Jeffries, 80, alongside his partner Matthew Smith and middleman James Jacobson, was arrested in October 2023, accused of orchestrating an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation from 2008 to 2015. Both defendants have entered not-guilty pleas. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries exploited his wealth and influence to manipulate aspiring male models into engaging in coercive sexual acts.

In light of the allegations, a competency hearing has been scheduled over two days on June 16 and 17, 2025. Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, expressed concerns regarding his client’s ability to aid in preparing a defense, highlighting that neuropsychological evaluations found him lacking in cognitive function expected from someone of his educational background.

The case against Jeffries was sparked by an investigation from the BBC, which reported on claims that he and Smith had been involved in the sexual exploitation of men at high-profile events. Following the allegations, the FBI commenced an inquiry into their operations.

Alongside handling criminal charges, Jeffries and his associates also face a civil lawsuit asserting that A&F financially supported the alleged trafficking ring. Recently, Jeffries initiated a lawsuit against A&F for refusing to cover his legal defense costs, stating that the company had agreed to indemnify him in cases emerging from his former role.

Legal expert Heather Cucolo remarked that the implications of dementia in court cases can be intricate, with final decisions heavily reliant on medical expert testimonies. If found competent, the case will proceed; however, if deemed incompetent, the charges may be dismissed, though other defendants could still stand trial based on independent evidence.