Finnish-Canadian fashion magnate Peter Nygard, currently on trial in Toronto facing allegations of serial rape, took the stand on Thursday to testify that he had never met his accusers.
Peter Nygard, the 82-year-old founder of Nygard International, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually assaulting four women and a 16-year-old girl in Canada’s largest city between 1988 and 2005.
Under rigorous questioning by his defense attorney, Brian Greenspan, Nygard consistently responded softly with a resolute «No» when asked if he was acquainted with or had ever crossed paths with his accusers. He vehemently refuted the testimonies of the complainants, denying claims of sending flowers, flirting on planes, offering job opportunities, or conducting tours of his Toronto offices.
Nygard emphatically stated, «No, I did not. It was not my practice to send flowers to anyone, quite frankly.» His responses included statements like, «No, certainly not. That’s preposterous,» and «No, I have no recollection of such occurrences.»
The prosecution has alleged that Nygard exploited his wealth and status as a fashion designer to entice and sexually assault young women. According to five women, Nygard lured them to his opulent Toronto offices under the guise of modeling or design opportunities or industry parties, only to find themselves «trapped» in a top-floor bedroom suite, where they claim he preyed on them.
Nygard insisted that he did not recognize his accusers in police photos or when they testified at the trial. He also vehemently denied allegations that he had pinned anyone to his bed or forcibly removed their clothing.
He further refuted claims that he stored «boxes and boxes» of condoms in his private bedroom suite in Toronto.
Peter Nygard faces additional sexual assault charges in Quebec and Manitoba, as well as potential extradition to the United States, where he stands accused of sexually assaulting numerous women and girls, in addition to charges of racketeering and human trafficking.
The trial will continue, with Nygard expected to provide further testimony on Friday.