Modelling agency Models Direct has become used to controversy surrounding American sportswear company Abercrombie & Fitch over the last few months. Back in August the risque brand upset parents over padded bikinis that were being sold as part of its childswear range, and more recently it became the focus of media attention relating to its latest homoerotic video campaign – Abercrombie & Fitch Out Of The Closet With Gay Kiss Video By Bruce Weber.

The most recent Abercrombie & Fitch controversy, however, is far more shocking than anything that we have previously seen relating to the brand – and suggests something very sinister indeed.

According to Courthouse News Service, former A&F male model Benjamine Bowers has claimed that he was the victim of “shameful and embarrassing sexual harassment” at the hands of an A&F recommended modelling agent named Brian Hilburn.

In an uncomfortable read – that throws up serious concerns around the welfare of other aspiring A&F models – Bowers says that he was coerced by Hilburn into posing nude and masturbating in front of the camera “under the pretense of achieving a relaxed ‘look’”.

Courthouse News Service has revealed content – apparently taken from a 41-page report on the case – that reads: “Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co. are delivering the names, photographs, addresses and telephone numbers of its young employees to a sexual predator.

“Store employees are recruited as models at casting calls held at Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co. stores. Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co. give a second hope to those employees not selected for these coveted modelling jobs by giving those employee’s names, photographs and personal information to a modelling agent that they highly recommend, but had never investigated. That modelling agent, Brian Hilburn, is a sexual predator.

“Once they are under Hilburn’s contractual control, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co.’s young and vulnerable employees are instructed to pose nude and masturbate in front of Hilburn while he photographs and videotapes them.

“Instead of being rewarded with a selection as a coveted model for Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister Co., the young employees are subjected to shameful and embarrassing sexual harassment.”

Bowers has stated that he was referred to ‘modelling agent’ Hilburn by – A&F and Hollister affiliate – casting director Daisy Ashburn with assurances that he was both “highly experienced” and “trustworthy”.

He said that during the photo shoot in 2011 he consented to inappropriate requests in part due to this recommendation, but also because he was “scared and confused” and believed Hilburn’s claim that it “was a necessary step in establishing his modelling career”.

Hilburn has been contacted regarding the allegations but no comment is reported to have been made – either by him or on his behalf – at this stage.