Alleged victims of sex trafficking by Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard are taking legal action against him, his companies, and key employees, accusing them of facilitating his crimes for decades and aiding in his evasion of justice.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of Nygard’s recent conviction on four counts of sexual assault by a Toronto jury on November 12. In addition to these charges, U.S. prosecutors have accused the 82-year-old Nygard of sex trafficking and racketeering, and he has agreed to be extradited to face these allegations.
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court by 13 Jane Doe victims, targets Nygard, Nygard International, and various entities, including his daughter. The victims claim that the companies and employees actively recruited potential victims, some of whom were minors, using modeling contracts, party invitations, and other enticements.
Recruiters were allegedly trained to highlight Nygard’s purported extraordinary wealth, power, and influence, presenting him as a fashion designer capable of fulfilling the dreams of young female victims. The lawsuit contends that Nygard’s companies knew or should have known about his sexual assaults, asserting that the businesses benefited directly from these criminal activities.
According to the complaint, Nygard’s employees maintained contact with potential victims, organized events at Nygard’s properties, and managed a corporate database containing information and images of over 7,500 underage girls and women dating back to 1987.
Seeking undisclosed monetary damages for sex trafficking, assault, and battery, the victims name 27 corporate entities, including properties held by Nygard. Four business associates and Nygard’s daughter are also defendants. The W Hotel in Times Square, where Nygard allegedly assaulted many victims, and Marriott International Inc., the hotel’s operator, are named as defendants.
The Nygard fashion company filed for bankruptcy in March 2020, preceding Nygard’s arrest on U.S. charges. The lawsuit alleges that several defendants assisted in concealing assets from creditors.
The case, known as Jane Doe v. Nygard, 23—cv-10306, is being heard in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
