Fashion mogul Nygard found guilty of 4 sexual assault charges

Fashion mogul Nygard found guilty of 4 sexual assault charges

In a Canadian court on Sunday, fashion mogul Peter Nygard was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault from allegations dating back to the 1980s to the mid-2000s. However, Nygard was acquitted of a fifth count and a charge of forcible confinement. The jury reached their verdict after six weeks of trial and five days of deliberations. The allegations included claims from five women who testified that they were invited to Nygard’s Toronto headquarters under false pretexts, only to be sexually assaulted in a top-floor bedroom suite. Nygard, 82, has denied all charges and claimed not to recall meeting or interacting with four of the women. This trial is just one of several legal battles Nygard is facing, as he is also charged with sexual assault in Quebec and Manitoba, as well as facing charges in the United States.

Fashion mogul Nygard found guilty of 4 sexual assault charges

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Background of the case

Fashion mogul Peter Nygard, former leader of a women’s fashion empire, has been found guilty of four counts of sexual assault in a Canadian court. The charges stemmed from allegations dating back to the 1980s to the mid-2000s. Nygard pleaded not guilty to all charges but was convicted on four counts and acquitted on a fifth count, as well as a charge of forcible confinement.

Verdict and acquittal

After six weeks of trial and five days of deliberations, the jury reached a verdict in the Nygard case. Nygard was found guilty on four counts of sexual assault, but acquitted on a fifth count and a charge of forcible confinement. The verdict signifies a significant legal outcome in the case and serves as a decision on the charges brought against Nygard.

Testimonies of the complainants

During the trial, five complainants testified against Nygard. The identities of these women are protected by a publication ban. Their testimonies told similar stories of meeting Nygard in various settings, such as on a plane, on an airport tarmac, or at a nightclub, and later receiving invitations to Nygard’s headquarters. According to their accounts, each encounter ended in a top-floor bedroom suite where four of the women were sexually assaulted. The testimonies highlighted a pattern of behavior by Nygard and provided crucial evidence for the prosecution’s case.

Accusations of forcible confinement

One of the complainants testified that she was forcibly confined in Nygard’s private suite for some time. She described doors that could only be opened with a keypad code or a button near the bed. Other complainants also expressed feeling trapped in the suite. The accusation of forcible confinement was a significant factor in the charges against Nygard, but the defense denied these allegations.

Nygard’s defense and testimony

Throughout the trial, Nygard maintained his innocence and denied all allegations made against him. He testified in his own defense and claimed that he did not recall meeting or interacting with four of the complainants. Nygard categorically denied engaging in the type of conduct he was accused of and asserted that it would be impossible for anyone to be locked inside his private suite.

Prosecution’s argument

The prosecution highlighted Nygard’s evasiveness and unreliability in his testimony. They argued that the similarities in the stories of all five complainants showed a clear pattern of behavior by Nygard. The prosecution also mentioned the connection between the complainants’ allegations and a class-action lawsuit against Nygard in the United States, suggesting a possible motivation for their claims.

Defense argument

The defense countered the prosecution’s claims by alleging that the complainants had crafted a “false narrative” about Nygard. They argued that the sexual assault claims were driven by the ongoing class-action lawsuit against Nygard in the United States. The defense sought to undermine the credibility of the complainants and cast doubt on the allegations made against Nygard.

Ongoing criminal charges

Despite the guilty verdict on four counts of sexual assault, Nygard is still facing criminal charges in three other jurisdictions. He is facing charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement in separate cases in Quebec and Manitoba, which date back to the 1990s. Nygard is also facing charges in the United States, where he was arrested in 2020 under the Extradition Act.

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Nygard’s fashion empire and legal troubles

Peter Nygard founded a fashion company in Winnipeg in 1967, which eventually became Nygard International. The company produced women’s clothing and operated under several brand names. Nygard’s fashion empire had corporate facilities in both Canada and the United States. However, following the FBI and police raid on Nygard’s offices in New York City in February 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy and entered into receivership. Nygard’s legal troubles have had a significant impact on his fashion empire and its operations.

Conclusion

The guilty verdict on four counts of sexual assault against fashion mogul Peter Nygard marks a significant development in the case. While Nygard was acquitted on one count and a charge of forcible confinement, the verdict highlights the testimonies of the complainants and the pattern of behavior attributed to Nygard. The ongoing criminal charges in multiple jurisdictions and the impact on Nygard’s fashion empire showcase the legal battles and consequences associated with the case. The guilty verdict has implications for Nygard’s future legal proceedings and the potential repercussions on his fashion business.

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