

World of Secrets
BBC
Global investigations from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Delve into a World of Secrets.Latest season: Death in Dubai. A woman falls from a tower block. It's caught on camera and the clip goes viral. Within hours, Mona Kizz’s name is trending worldwide. In death, the beautiful 23-year-old Ugandan is accused of being a #DubaiPortaPotty. With over 450 million views on TikTok, the hashtag leads to parodies and speculative exposés of women suspected of being paid by men to be their human toilet. But nothing is as it seems. Behind the online rumours lies an even darker reality. Also, previously on World of Secrets: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape.And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 8, 2024 • 34min
The Disciples: 3. The Compound
TB Joshua’s new disciples Rae and Anneka leave behind their lives in England to follow the prophet, along with other young people from around the world. Isolated and sleep deprived, life is tough for the disciples but the only thing that matters to them is following Jesus – and TB Joshua is their passage. Outside of the closed compound in Lagos, Nigeria, people are noticing that something is wrong. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Please note, some episodes in this season of World of Secrets contain graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it.If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionlineArchive: The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Channel 4#WorldofSecrets

Jan 8, 2024 • 37min
The Disciples: 2. The Prophet
The myths around Nigerian pastor TB Joshua draw young disciples into his web. His miracles go viral, bringing thousands more followers, hoping to be healed. Chosen ones, like Rae and Anneka, are invited to his Lagos church, with the coveted chance of becoming his disciples. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.Please note, some episodes in this season of World of Secrets contain graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it.If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionlineArchive: The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Emmanuel TV, CBN News, Powered by Dunamis, Journeyman Pictures#WorldofSecretsAudio for this episode was updated on 8th January 2024

Jan 8, 2024 • 35min
The Disciples: 1. Sin No More
Shots ring out at a church guarded by gunmen in Lagos, Nigeria. Behind the blacked-out windows and high walls are secrets. In a pub in Oxford, England, a woman comes to us with a story. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke investigate the cult of TB Joshua.
Please note, some episodes in this season of World of Secrets contain graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it. This episode also contains strong language.If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionlineArchive: The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Journeyman Pictures#WorldofSecrets

Nov 21, 2023 • 29min
The Abercrombie Guys: 8. The Fallout
A lawsuit is filed revealing new allegations, but what did Abercrombie and Fitch know? An anonymous source speaks about Mike Jeffries' time at A&F, but the company won't answer all our questions. Meanwhile, another staffer recalls his time working for The Abercrombie Guys: "I only worked for them for a year, and I hated every second of it."Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha JohanssonThis podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Oct 2, 2023 • 34min
The Abercrombie Guys: 7. Do You Remember Me?
The Abercrombie Guys’ alleged main recruiter is tracked-down to a small town in Wisconsin and asked about his involvement in the operation: “Nobody went into this without their eyes wide open.”
One high profile American lawyer examines the team’s evidence and calls for prosecutors to investigate.Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha Johansson
This podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.
If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.
World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Oct 2, 2023 • 27min
The Abercrombie Guys: 6. Inside the Operation
Do you know how much money I was getting paid?" A former assistant who travelled with The Abercrombie Guys agrees to talk: "They were trying to act so perfect,” he says - what could they have been hiding?”Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha Johansson
This podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.
If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.
World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Oct 2, 2023 • 42min
The Abercrombie Guys: 5. Midnight in Marrakesh
A model is made a lucrative offer to meet the Abercrombie Guys in Morocco: “I'm going to Marrakesh, this is awesome!” But events, he says, take an unanticipated dark turn. Why was the event in Marrakesh, according to another man, “one of the sketchiest times”? Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha Johansson
This podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.
If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.
World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Oct 2, 2023 • 36min
The Abercrombie Guys: 4. The Mysterious Mr Smith
Who is the other Abercrombie guy, Matthew Smith? “Witty, strict and secretive” says a former colleague. Papers reveal the influential role he had in the life of his partner, the former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries.
A former staffer reveals how he frequently requested large sums of cash, sealed in white envelopes – what was it for?
Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha Johansson
This podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.
If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.
World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Oct 2, 2023 • 33min
The Abercrombie Guys: 3. The Marine
A former US marine turned reality TV star is invited to Mike Jeffries' mansion in the Hamptons. He dreams of being an Abercrombie and Fitch model, and he hopes to impress the fashion mogul.
But the mood at the event begins to change and he says he soon realises this is not the interview he was expecting: "I didn't feel like I had control”.
Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha JohanssonArchive audio: Bravo TV: Below Deck (2013)
This podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.
If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.
World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Oct 2, 2023 • 35min
The Abercrombie Guys: 2. Who is Mike Jeffries?
He made Abercrombie and Fitch a millennial megabrand, marketing "sexy clothes on sexy people”, as one former colleague of Mike Jeffries put it. At home he had model-like men washing his cars and staff to chauffeur his dogs around. But what else was going on at his Hamptons mansion? “There was something about it that was strange,” according to a former staffer, “why wouldn’t anyone talk about it?” Rianna decides to investigate. Have you got a story to tell? Email rianna@bbc.com. Let us know what you think of the season using the hashtag #WorldofSecretsThis podcast refers to sexual abuse and contains interviews that some listeners may find upsetting, as well as some occasional strong language.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is presented and investigated by Rianna Croxford
Series Producers: Ruth Evans and Alys Harte
Senior Producer: Emma Close
Development Producer: Hannah Livingston
Investigation Editor: Ed Campbell
Podcast Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Executive Editor: Emma Rippon
Studio Engineers: Neil Churchill, Andy Fell, Gareth Jones, and Ali Rezakhani
Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill
Commissioning Editor: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Executive: Louise Kattenhorn
Assistant Commissioner: Natasha JohanssonArchive:
CBS: Sharon Chin report (9th May 2013)
Warner Bros: Ellen DeGeneres - (May 2013)
BBC: Sophie Hutchison news report (24th Jun 2009)
BBC: Hugh Schofield news report (26 July 2013)
International Business Times: A&F Company outlook (24th May 2013)
Bloomberg: Report on Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries to Step Down (9th Dec 2014)
Bloomberg: Jeffrey Hayzlett joins Trish Ragen and Adam Johnson on Bloomberg's Street Smart (9th Mar 2013)
NBC: Report on ‘half-naked models’ (30/11/2002)
Fox News: The O’Reilly Factor Report on Abercrombie & Fitch marketing (1st Dec 2015)
BBC: BBC 4- Love Thy Neighbour (14th Oct 2008)
This podcast is made in collaboration with BBC Panorama.
If you are in the UK, you can watch Panorama: The Abercrombie Guys: The Dark Side of Cool on BBC iPlayer now, or on BBC Select if you are in the in the US.
World of Secrets: Season 1 - The Abercrombie Guys is a BBC Long Form Audio production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.