Canadian clothing industry figure Peter Nygard, founder of the once-powerful Nygard International fashion brand, entered a guilty plea Monday to charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement in Quebec — adding to a growing list of legal troubles that have brought down his global empire.
The 84-year-old participated in the proceedings via video from an Ontario prison, where he is currently serving an 11-year sentence handed down after a Toronto jury found him guilty in 2023 of sexually assaulting four women. He also faces potential extradition to the United States on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Quebec Crown prosecutor Jérôme Laflamme told reporters the guilty plea came as a surprise, arriving just before what was supposed to be a 10-day judge-only trial. “Mr. Nygard’s change of heart was quite sudden,” Laflamme said, noting that the complainant had been ready to take the stand.
Prosecution evidence, which the defense did not dispute, showed that Nygard exploited his status as a well-known fashion designer to lure young women. The victim, whose identity is shielded by a publication ban, was 18 years old when she first encountered Nygard at a bar. She had aspirations of becoming a fashion model.
The two later met for lunch at her place of work to talk about her career prospects. He then invited her to his Montreal penthouse apartment, claiming he had left his keys behind. Once inside, he locked her in the bedroom and sexually assaulted her.
Court documents also reveal that Nygard offered the victim a chance to relocate to the Bahamas, promising a lavish lifestyle — but only if she agreed to have sex with him and other women. These events occurred between November 1997 and November 1998.
Quebec prosecutors filed charges against Nygard in 2022, including one count each of sexual assault and forcible confinement.
Nygard, who came to Canada from Finland as a child, built a worldwide fashion business and was known for hosting extravagant parties at his Bahamas estate, called Nygard Cay. His empire unraveled after a wave of sexual assault allegations triggered investigations in both Canada and the United States.
Judge Nathalie Fafard allowed prosecutors to present evidence from Nygard’s Toronto conviction, citing similarities between the two cases.
Defense attorney Gerri Wiebe explained that Nygard opted not to fight the Quebec charges given his upcoming extradition proceedings to the United States. She also argued that his deteriorating health makes any transfer potentially life-threatening.
American prosecutors allege that over roughly 25 years, Nygard used his fashion company, its staff, and its financial resources to recruit women and underage girls across the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas for sexual exploitation. Nygard has pleaded not guilty to those U.S. charges.
Sentencing in the Quebec case has been put on hold while a medical assessment is conducted. The case is scheduled to return to court on October 2, when attorneys are expected to present a joint sentencing recommendation. Wiebe noted that the United States cannot seek Nygard’s extradition until his Canadian legal matters are fully resolved, meaning the sentencing delay keeps him in Canada for now.
