MONTREAL — Canadian fashion icon Peter Nygard has entered a guilty plea for sexual assault and forcible confinement in Quebec, marking the latest legal setback for the founder of the former global retail giant Nygard International. Nygard remains facing federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges in the United States.
The 84-year-old appeared via video link from an Ontario prison, where he is currently serving an 11-year sentence following a 2023 Toronto jury conviction for the sexual assault of four women. He is also facing potential extradition to the U.S. on federal charges involving racketeering and sex trafficking.
Quebec Crown prosecutor Jérôme Laflamme noted that Nygard’s sudden plea occurred just before a scheduled 10-day judge-alone trial.
“Mr. Nygard’s change of heart was quite sudden,” Laflamme informed reporters, noting that the complainant had been prepared to testify.
Evidence provided by the prosecution, which was not contested by the defense, demonstrated that Nygard used his prestige as a prominent fashion designer to entice young women.
According to court records, the victim, who is protected by a publication ban, met Nygard in a bar when she was 18 years old while pursuing a modeling career.
Following a lunch meeting intended to discuss her career, Nygard reportedly invited her to his Montreal penthouse under the pretext of retrieving forgotten keys. Once inside, he allegedly locked her in a bedroom and sexually assaulted her.
Court documents state that Nygard promised the victim a life of luxury and a move to the Bahamas, provided she engaged in sexual activity with him and other women.
The incident occurred between November 1997 and November 1998.
Quebec prosecutors brought charges against Nygard in 2022 for sexual assault and forcible confinement.
Nygard, a Finnish immigrant who built a worldwide fashion empire and hosted extravagant events at his Bahamas estate, Nygard Cay, saw his business collapse following various sexual assault allegations that triggered investigations across Canada and the United States.
Judge Nathalie Fafard accepted evidence from Nygard’s Toronto conviction after finding significant similarities between the two cases.
Defense attorney Gerri Wiebe stated that Nygard chose not to contest the Quebec charges prior to his pending extradition to the United States. Highlighting his frail health, she argued that a transfer at this time could pose a risk to his life.
U.S. prosecutors allege that for approximately 25 years, Nygard utilized his fashion company, staff, and financial assets to recruit women and minors in the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas for sexual exploitation. Nygard has pleaded not guilty to these U.S. charges.
Sentencing has been postponed pending a medical assessment. The matter will return to court on October 2, when legal counsel is expected to present joint sentencing recommendations.
Wiebe noted that extradition to the United States can only proceed once Nygard’s Canadian legal matters are concluded, adding that the postponement of the sentence ensures Nygard remains in Canada.Source link