Is Mike Jeffries Gay or Straight? – ‘White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch,’ a Netflix documentary, delves into the history of the fashion brand and why it finally went wrong, all while Mike Jeffries was the CEO. People have understandably speculated about Mike’s personal life because he has remained an exceedingly private person who hasn’t shared anything about it.
So, if you’re interested in learning more, here’s what we know.
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Is CEO Michael Jeffries a Gay or Straight?
Michael was always known as a smart but reserved man who gave few interviews but appeared charismatic. He married Susan Marie Isabel Hansen in Miami, Florida, in April 1971. While they had a son together, they were said to be living separately as of 2006, and their relationship appears to have dissolved since then.
Mike was covert about his personal life during the 2000s, according to the show, but he has been publicly gay in the years since. Mike has a long-term relationship with Matthew Smith, according to reports.
Mike’s effect on Abercrombie & Fitch was felt when the company began to promote athleticism and membership in an elite club. It quickly gained popularity among many gay men of the time. In addition, the company published A&F Quarterly, which was terminated in 2003 and featured mostly naked white boys and girls photographed by Bruce Weber. A&F Quarterly created quite a stir with its content back then.
Mike said, “That’s just so wrong!” when asked if the advertising was homoerotic and if the company was selling sex to children. What we symbolise sexually, I believe, is healthy. It’s amusing. It’s not pitch black. It’s not humiliating! It’s not gay, it’s not straight, it’s not black, and it’s certainly not white. It has nothing to do with labels. That would be cynical, and we aren’t like that! It’s all about the beautiful camaraderie, companionship, and playfulness that exists in this generation but does not exist in previous generations.”
Who is Matthew Smith in A&F?
Mike’s partner, Matthew Smith, was said to have a prominent role in the company before he stood down as CEO. While there have been differing viewpoints about Matthew, his association with Abercrombie & Fitch has sparked numerous problems. Some described him as a Wharton MBA graduate who was more personable than Mike, but others were less enthusiastic about his participation.
While Matthew’s name did not appear in regulatory filings, many employees stated he was present at company meetings and was heavily involved in decisions such as real estate location selection. Aside from that, Matthew was considered as a kind of enforcer of Mike’s “Workstation Standards,” which included regulations on seat cushions and stickers.
Matthew was initially in charge of The Jeffries Home Office, which managed Mike’s properties and investments, but his responsibilities grew in the years leading up to Mike’s retirement. Mike and Matthew have kept a low profile since then, and there have been no fresh stories about their relationship or present activities.