In recent court proceedings, Peter Nygard’s defense lawyer challenged the notion that the private bedroom suite in Nygard’s downtown Toronto office headquarters was a “hidden secret,” suggesting that it was actually part of a larger guest accommodation setup. Court documents revealed that the building had two bedrooms, one on the fifth floor and another on the first floor, which were not exclusively used by Nygard.
The Crown has accused Nygard, the founder of an international clothing company, of using his power and influence to sexually assault five women in these private quarters. The alleged incidents occurred between the late 1980s and 2005. Nygard, an 82-year-old Canadian fashion mogul, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While cross-examining a witness who was involved in renovations at the Toronto office in 2006, Nygard’s defense lawyer highlighted that the bedrooms were also used by other employees and VIP guests who came to the city. The defense sought to establish that Nygard’s personal quarters were not hidden but rather a regular part of the office tour that he often gave to visitors.
The trial’s opening arguments revealed a pattern in Nygard’s alleged sexual assaults. The Crown argued that Nygard would initially meet the victims before inviting them on a tour of his Toronto headquarters. This tour would then culminate in the private bedroom suite, where the Crown alleges the attacks took place. According to the prosecution, Nygard would overpower the women, pinning them down and assaulting them.
Nygard’s defense lawyer emphasized that the fashion mogul took pride in the design of his buildings, incorporating elements of his Finnish heritage. The defense further suggested that Nygard often gave tours to showcase his work, implying that the private quarters were not a hidden secret.
As the trial progresses, further details will undoubtedly emerge. The proceedings are expected to last approximately seven weeks as the court considers the evidence against Nygard and evaluates his defense.
FAQ
1. What is Peter Nygard being accused of?
Peter Nygard, founder of a now-defunct international clothing company, is facing charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement. The Crown alleges that Nygard used his power and status to sexually assault five women between the late 1980s and 2005.
2. What is the defense’s argument?
Nygard’s defense lawyer argues that the private bedroom suite in Nygard’s Toronto office headquarters was not a hidden secret but rather part of a larger guest accommodation setup. The defense contends that Nygard’s personal quarters were regularly shown to visitors as part of the office tour.
3. How long is the trial expected to last?
The trial is anticipated to last approximately seven weeks as both the prosecution and the defense present their cases and the court evaluates the evidence against Nygard.
4. What is the pattern alleged by the prosecution?
According to the Crown’s opening arguments, Nygard established a pattern in his alleged sexual assaults. He would initially meet the victims and then invite them on a tour of his Toronto headquarters. The tour would end in the private bedroom suite, where the prosecution claims the assaults occurred.