Nygard used secret bedroom in his company's Toronto HQ for sexual assaults: Crown

Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard had a private bedroom constructed within the walls of the Toronto headquarters of his fashion empire, where he sexually assaulted five women starting in the 1980s, prosecutors said in their opening statement in a Toronto courtroom Tuesday.

Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard had a private bedroom constructed within the walls of the Toronto headquarters of his fashion empire, where he sexually assaulted five women starting in the 1980s, prosecutors said in their opening statement in a Toronto courtroom Tuesday.

In the first detailed look at the criminal case against Nygard, Crown attorney Ana Serban took jurors through the summaries of the stories of the five women, saying that Nygard used his wealth and influence to lure them through job offers or exclusive experiences — but brought them to the secret bedroom instead.

“Peter Nygard leveraged his power and status as a wealthy fashion designer to lure and assault young women, “ Serban said, repeatedly referencing the former Niagara Street address of Nygard’s former headquarters.

“Within these walls there was a bedroom suite, with a giant bed and a jacuzzi, a bar and doors with no handles, with automatic locks. Keypad operated locks, locks controlled by Peter Nygard,” Serban said.

Nygard has pleaded not guilty to the five counts of sexual assault and one count of unlawful confinement. Publications bans in the case prevent media outlets from reporting on the names of alleged victims and witnesses.

Once a household name and synonymous with fashion, Nygard’s eponymous company is now bankrupt and he faces charges in Toronto, Quebec, Manitoba, and the United States, as well as civil suits.

The 82-year-old’s signature white mane was pulled back when he arrived at the courtroom in Toronto Superior Court in a wheelchair. He was helped into his seat by a Toronto special constable.