The luxurious $28 million Hamptons mansion, once owned by ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, has become a focal point in an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking charges against the former fashion executive. Jeffries, who led the popular retail chain from 1992 to 2014, has been accused of luring more than 100 men to the Water Mill, NY, estate under the guise of modeling jobs, only to allegedly force them to engage in sex acts.
A Decade of Exploitation
The sprawling Hamptons property, sold by Jeffries in 2021, reportedly played host to numerous sex events, where victims claim they were manipulated and exploited. One accuser, David Bradberry, described an incident in 2010 where Jeffries allegedly used drugs to control his victims before engaging in sexual acts. Another accuser, Barrett Pall, shared a similar story from 2011, describing how he and other models were invited to the mansion for what turned out to be a disturbing sex event.
These claims led to a class-action lawsuit launched by Bradberry, which highlighted the abuse of more than 100 men, leading to the charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution against Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and associate James Jacobson.
The Estate: A Setting of Lavish Luxury
Jeffries’ former Hamptons mansion, located in Water Mill, spans nearly 12,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, set on a vast 7-acre estate. Surrounded by serene farmland on three sides and Mecox Bay on the fourth, the shingle-style home is as luxurious as it is isolated.
Built in 2008, the estate took five years to complete and features stunning architectural elements, including a two-story library, an expansive living room with three sets of French doors, and a chef’s kitchen.
Other opulent spaces include a formal dining room, a smoking room, and a large outdoor entertaining area. The estate also boasts a separate guest cottage, perfect for hosting visitors, and a heated gunite pool set within an allée of sycamore trees.
Outside, the lush grounds are beautifully landscaped, featuring a rose garden, orchard, and a carriage house. A path from the main estate leads to a private dock, offering access to motorboats and kayaks on the bay. The mansion exudes an “old-world” style charm while incorporating modern conveniences, representing the epitome of luxury living in the Hamptons.
A Dark Chapter Unveiled
While the estate’s design and setting may embody luxury, it has now become intertwined with a much darker narrative. Prosecutors accuse Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson of running an international sex trafficking operation that spanned years. The $28 million Hamptons mansion, once a symbol of opulence, has become a key part of the allegations, where many of the crimes allegedly took place.
Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, has stated that the former CEO plans to address these charges in court, but the scandal has cast a long shadow over Jeffries’ legacy. Known for his controversial leadership of Abercrombie & Fitch, Jeffries revived the brand with provocative marketing campaigns but also faced numerous accusations of discrimination and inappropriate behavior during his tenure.
As the investigation into these serious allegations continues, the luxurious Hamptons mansion remains a reminder of how wealth and power can sometimes hide a more sinister reality.