April 07, 2022 at 05:05PM
Abercrombie & Fitch is the subject of Netflix’s upcoming “White Hot” documentary debuting on Tuesday, April 19. Popular in the late ‘90s and early ’00s, the brand – under CEO Mike Jeffries’s lead – perpetuated racism and sizeism through marketing campaigns and discriminatory hiring practices. But current A&F CEO Fran Horowitz is hoping to usher in a new era for the company that is now favored by Gen-Z and inspiring clothing hauls on TikTok.
In response to “White Hot,” A&F posted a statement on Instagram acknowledging its problematic history and clarifying that the “Abercrombie today” is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. “While the problematic elements of that era have already been subject to wide and valid criticism over the years, we want to be clear that they are actions, behaviors and decisions that would not be permitted or tolerated at the company now,” the caption reads, going on to thank current fans for their support as the brand evolves.
During the early 2000s, Abercrombie & Fitch faced several lawsuits accusing the company of discrimination. Several of the plaintiffs are featured in the Netflix doc – along with other former models and industry insiders – recounting examples of unfair treatment and offensive behavior from A&F leadership teams. A&F eventually agreed to a $40 million settlement committing to change its hiring methods, and Jeffries stepped down from his role in 2014.
Today, there is a Diversity & Inclusion page on the company’s corporate website that details strategies and initiatives for ensuring equal treatment across the business.
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Ahead, you can read through A&F’s full post and watch the trailer for “White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch.”
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Author Sarah Wasilak | citywomen.co
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