Peter Nygard, the once-prominent Canadian fashion designer and founder of Nygard International, is now on trial in Toronto, facing multiple charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement. The 82-year-old fashion mogul has pleaded not guilty to these allegations, which involve the abuse of power and the exploitation of his status as a wealthy fashion icon.
Prosecutors contend that Nygard leveraged his influence to prey upon and sexually assault five young women over several decades. These victims, including a 16-year-old and four individuals in their 20s, allegedly endured harrowing experiences, including coercion into sexual acts, forcible confinement, and threats of professional ruin if they resisted.
Ana Serban, the prosecutor, asserts that Nygard exploited his position as a successful fashion designer to entice these women, whom he encountered on flights or in clubs, with promises of employment or «tours» as a pretext to bring them to his Toronto offices. Concealed behind an opulent façade, these offices reportedly featured a bedroom suite with a spacious bed, a bar, and doors equipped with automatic locks controlled by Nygard.
Witnesses, including a contractor who worked on the space and a police investigator, provided descriptions of the luxurious yet secure layout, requiring key codes for access. The allegations span back to the 1980s.
Peter Nygard, in custody since his 2020 arrest, also faces similar charges in Quebec and Manitoba, in addition to extradition to the United States. In the U.S., he stands accused of sexually assaulting dozens of women and girls, engaging in racketeering, and human trafficking.
Once a prominent figure who socialized with British royalty, influential lawmakers, and Hollywood celebrities, Nygard appeared in court in a wheelchair, a stark departure from his previous flamboyant image. His financial empire has also suffered, with his company filing for bankruptcy protection following FBI and police raids on its Manhattan corporate headquarters in 2020.
In the United States, Nygard is accused of luring women and girls to his luxury estates, often under the guise of modeling opportunities, before allegedly subjecting them to sexual exploitation and abuse. Prosecutors assert that he utilized corporate funds to host lavish parties and gatherings, where underage girls were reportedly drugged, and women faced assault if they resisted his advances.
The allegations against Nygard also encompass claims of financing victims’ plastic surgeries, abortions, and child support payments from corporate accounts.
Nygard’s trial in Toronto is anticipated to last a minimum of six weeks, after which he will proceed to face another trial in Quebec next year.
