Peter Nygard sentenced to 11 years as Judge calls Him a ‘Predator’ for assaulting four women
Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard, once a powerful figure in the industry, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting four women in Toronto from the late 1980s to 2005. The 83-year-old, who was convicted last November, had denied the charges, but a jury found him guilty of using his wealth and influence to prey on women.
During the sentencing, Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein described Nygard as a “sexual predator” and a “Canadian success story gone very wrong.” He added, “He used his wealth and his power to commit four sexual assaults.”
The victims, aged 16 to 28 at the time of the assaults, had eerily similar stories. Nygard lured them with promises of career help in the fashion industry, only to lead them to his private bedroom in his Toronto office, where he raped or assaulted them. One victim, now 63, shared in her impact statement that the assault left her with lifelong trauma, saying, “I’m deeply saddened by the lack of love in my life.”
Nygard’s defense team had pushed for a lighter sentence, citing his advanced age, declining health, and the time he has already served behind bars. Prosecutors, however, sought a 15-year sentence, arguing that his actions reflected a “pattern of behavior” spanning decades.
Although Nygard received an 11-year sentence, his time already spent in custody since his 2020 arrest will count toward the total, leaving him with just over six years to serve. He will be eligible for full parole in two years.
Despite this sentencing, Nygard’s legal troubles are far from over. He faces additional charges in Montreal and Winnipeg, as well as sex trafficking charges in the United States, where authorities allege a “decades-long pattern of criminal conduct” involving numerous victims across the globe.
Following the sentencing, statements from the victims, read by therapist Shannon Moroney, offered some closure. One victim emphasized the importance of their fight: “We did this to ensure every victim of sexual assault will feel the strength and confidence to come forward.”
As Nygard’s trial concludes in Toronto, the once-celebrated fashion mogul now faces further legal battles and extradition to the US.