Former fashion tycoon Peter Nygard has been handed an 11-year prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting four women in Toronto, Canada. The assaults occurred between the late 1980s and 2005. Nygard, aged 83, maintained his innocence throughout the trial but was found guilty by a jury last November.
Prosecutors had argued for a 15-year sentence, emphasizing a “pattern of behavior” in Nygard’s assaults. In contrast, his defense team requested a sentence of less than two years, citing his age, deteriorating health, and the time he had already spent in custody.
This sentencing is not the conclusion of Nygard’s legal battles. He is also facing separate charges of sexual assault and sex trafficking in Montreal and Winnipeg, as well as in the United States. All these charges are yet to be tested in court, and Nygard has denied any wrongdoing.
The 11-year sentence accounts for time already served, meaning Nygard has over six years remaining. He will be eligible for parole in approximately two years. Judge Robert Goldstein of the Superior Court labeled Nygard a “sexual predator” and a “Canadian success story gone very wrong” during sentencing. “He used his wealth and his power to commit four sexual assaults,” Judge Goldstein stated, highlighting the abuse of power inherent in Nygard’s actions.
Peter Nygard, once the head of Nygard International, a global fashion design and manufacturing empire, stands accused of leveraging his influence and wealth to systematically assault and traffic women for decades across both the US and Canada. During the six-week trial in Toronto, the prosecution detailed how Nygard, whose estimated net worth once reached $700 million (£542 million), exploited his “status” to assault five women over several decades. He was ultimately convicted of sexually assaulting four of these five women.
The women who testified in court recounted similar experiences. They described being enticed by Nygard with promises of employment or assistance in the fashion industry. Each woman was then invited individually for a tour of Nygard’s Toronto office, which culminated in his private bedroom suite. Inside this suite, the assaults, including rape and other forms of sexual assault, took place. The victims’ ages ranged from 16 to 28 at the time of the incidents.
In a victim impact statement, one woman described how the assault irrevocably damaged her life, leaving her with post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression, and anxiety. Another victim shared that the assault caused her to mistrust men and avoid long-term relationships for decades. “Now a 63-year-old woman, I’m deeply saddened by the lack of love in my life,” she poignantly told the court, illustrating the long-lasting emotional scars inflicted by Nygard’s actions.
Shannon Moroney, a therapist who has provided support to four of the accusers, read statements on their behalf outside the court following the sentencing. Several victims expressed that the sentence provided them with a degree of closure. Quoting one of the accusers, Moroney stated, “We did this to ensure every victim of sexual assault will remember this trial and feel the strength and confidence to come forward and not be threatened by social status or money.” This highlights the broader impact of the case, potentially empowering other victims of sexual assault to seek justice.
The sentencing process, initially expected shortly after the November conviction, was delayed due to the resignation of two of Nygard’s lawyers citing ethical concerns, adding complexity and further distress to the proceedings.
Crown prosecutor Neville Golwalla urged the judge to impose a 15-year sentence, arguing it would appropriately reflect the severity of Nygard’s crimes and account for time already served. Conversely, Nygard’s lawyer, Gerri Wiebe, argued for a lesser sentence, suggesting a lengthy prison term would significantly reduce Nygard’s life expectancy given his failing health.
Nearly 20 individuals submitted letters of support for Nygard to the court. These letters came from former business associates, philanthropic partners, a former girlfriend, his previous dentist, and a pastor. The letters praised Nygard’s work ethic and his financial generosity to those in his life and various charitable causes, presenting a contrasting view of his character.
Nygard has been in custody since his arrest in late 2020. He has been held in the infirmary of a Toronto detention center, where he has reportedly been granted privileges such as his own phone and email access through an assistant.
With the Toronto case concluded, Nygard is now slated to face another sexual assault case in Montreal. These charges relate to the alleged assault and forcible confinement of a woman over two decades ago. A preliminary inquiry for this case is scheduled to commence in January 2025.
Furthermore, Nygard faces charges in Winnipeg connected to alleged offenses from 1993 involving a 20-year-old woman. In this instance, he is accused of holding the woman captive and raping her after inviting her for a modeling opportunity. Nygard has denied these charges and, in 2023, while already in custody for the Toronto case, sued his accuser for defamation, adding another layer of legal complexity.
Following the resolution of his criminal cases in Canada, it is anticipated that Nygard will be extradited to the United States. US authorities allege a “decades-long pattern of criminal conduct” involving at least a dozen victims across the globe. A separate class-action lawsuit involving 57 women in the US has also been filed against him, although it is currently on hold due to the ongoing criminal proceedings.
In 2020, Peter Nygard stepped down from his position as chairman of his company shortly before Nygard International declared bankruptcy, following raids by US authorities on its New York headquarters. This marked a significant downfall for the once-prominent figure in the fashion world. The sentencing and ongoing legal battles underscore the serious consequences of his actions and the long-overdue accountability for his crimes.
