In a shocking turn of events, former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, has been hit with a class action lawsuit, alleging his involvement in a "widespread sex-trafficking operation." The lawsuit, filed in District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses Jeffries of using his power and influence within the fashion industry to prey upon attractive young men under the guise of hiring them as Abercrombie models.

Plaintiff David Bradberry claims that Jeffries, with the company's alleged participation, created a disturbing environment that enabled the abuse. According to the lawsuit, Jeffries used his Hamptons estate to conduct casting interviews, where he would force the aspiring models to strip down, sign non-disclosure agreements, and engage in drugs and sex acts with himself, his partner Matthew Smith, and others.

The lawsuit further alleges that Abercrombie & Fitch's financial success played a significant role in fueling Jeffries' alleged sex trafficking organization, which is said to have operated from 1992 through 2014. The company has chosen not to comment on the ongoing litigation, stating that it does not engage in discussion regarding pending legal matters.

This is not the first time Jeffries has faced allegations of exploitation. A recent BBC News investigation shed light on accusations from men who claimed to have been recruited for sex events hosted by Jeffries around the world.

According to the lawsuit, the models were made to believe that enduring sexual abuse by Jeffries and his partner was a necessary step to secure a coveted position as an Abercrombie model. The suit accuses the company of prioritizing profits over ethical considerations by fostering a culture where sexual abuse was normalized in the casting process.

David Bradberry, the plaintiff, provided a detailed account of his own alleged abuse by Jeffries in 2010. He claimed that he was forced to allow a scout to perform oral sex on him in order to secure a meeting with Jeffries. Bradberry alleges that he subsequently engaged in "commercial sex acts" with Jeffries and others during meetings in Washington, D.C., and London, England. The lawsuit states that Bradberry was then invited to a casting event at Jeffries' Hamptons house, where he was subjected to further sexual acts, including an alleged anal rape by Jeffries.

The lawsuit signifies a major blow to Abercrombie & Fitch, as it faces severe allegations of enabling and even participating in a sex-trafficking operation masterminded by its former CEO. The case is expected to develop further as both sides present their arguments in court.