Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard pleaded guilty Monday to charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement in Quebec, a development that comes as he awaits extradition to the United States to face federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Nygard, 84, appeared via video from an Ontario prison, where he is currently serving an 11-year sentence after a 2023 conviction for sexually assaulting four women. The plea in Quebec occurred unexpectedly just before a scheduled 10-day judge-alone trial.
Quebec Crown prosecutor Jérôme Laflamme stated that Nygard's decision to plead guilty was sudden, noting that the complainant was prepared to testify. Evidence presented by the prosecution, which the defense did not contest, indicated that Nygard exploited his status as a well-known fashion designer to lure young women.
According to court documents, the victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, met Nygard at a bar when she was 18 and aspiring to become a fashion model. After meeting for lunch at her workplace to discuss her career, Nygard invited her to his Montreal penthouse, claiming he had forgotten his keys. Once inside, he allegedly locked her in a bedroom and sexually assaulted her. The documents also state that Nygard proposed the victim move to the Bahamas, offering a life of luxury in exchange for sexual relations with him and other women.
These events reportedly took place between November 1997 and November 1998. Quebec prosecutors filed charges against Nygard in 2022 for one count of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement.
Nygard, who built a global fashion empire after immigrating to Canada from Finland as a child, hosted extravagant parties at his Bahamas estate. His business ultimately collapsed amid numerous sexual assault allegations that prompted investigations in both Canada and the United States.
Judge Nathalie Fafard acknowledged the evidence from Nygard’s Toronto conviction, noting similarities between the two cases. Nygard's defense lawyer, Gerri Wiebe, indicated that he chose not to contest the Quebec charges as his extradition to the United States is pending. She also cited Nygard's frail health and argued that transferring him at this time could pose a risk to his life.
U.S. prosecutors allege that over approximately 25 years, Nygard utilized his fashion company, employees, and financial resources to recruit women and underage girls in the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas for sexual exploitation. He has pleaded not guilty to these U.S. charges.
Sentencing in the Quebec case has been postponed pending a medical assessment. The court is scheduled to reconvene on October 2, when lawyers are expected to present a joint sentencing recommendation. Wiebe added that the United States cannot seek Nygard's extradition until his legal matters in Canada are resolved, and that postponing the sentence allows him to remain in the country.