Fashion mogul Peter Nygard found guilty of sexual assault in Montreal
Fashion mogul Peter Nygard has pleaded guilty to sexual assault and forcible confinement in a Montreal court. This conviction follows a previous 11-year sentence in Toronto for similar crimes, marking another legal development in the ongoing cases against him.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal accountability of high-profile figures in the fashion industry regarding historical sexual assault allegations.
The 84-year-old, who founded the now-defunct women's apparel company Nygard International, accepted a plea deal and did not present any evidence in his defence Monday. He appeared via video call from an Ontario prison.
The Quebec case is separate from Nygard's conviction in Toronto, where he was found guilty in 2023 of four counts of sexual assault and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Quebec Crown prosecutor Jérôme Laflamme said Nygard's plea was unexpected and he was prepared for a 10-day trial before a judge only.
"Mr. Nygard's change of heart was quite sudden," Laflamme told reporters at the courthouse after the hearing.
"The plaintiff is present in the courthouse. She's been prepared to testify ... and I can't wait to go meet her and explain her the situation."
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