TORONTO — The Ontario Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear Peter Nygard's appeal against his sexual assault convictions and subsequent prison sentence. His legal team argues that errors were made during the trial, specifically relating to the admission of testimony from an expert on trauma, Dr. Lori Haskell. Nygard, who once was a prominent figure in the fashion industry, was convicted in 2023 on four counts of sexual assault and received an 11-year sentence, which effectively amounts to just under seven years after being credited for time served prior to and during the trial.
Nygard's legal representatives filed a notice of appeal in 2024, claiming that his sentence was “excessive.” They contend that admitting Dr. Haskell's expertise on trauma had a negative impact on the trial. This argument mirrors a previous case involving Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard, whose own appeal against a sexual assault conviction pointed to similar issues regarding Haskell’s testimony. Despite these concerns, Hoggard’s conviction was upheld as the panel determined there was no miscarriage of justice.
The Crown, in its written submissions, asserts that allowing Haskell's testimony in Nygard’s trial constituted a “harmless error.” They maintain that it did not mislead the jury nor did it result in any injustice. Notably, in a decision regarding Nygard's bail in 2024, the presiding judge stated that the inclusion of Haskell's testimony stands out as the only “legally plausible” argument in Nygard's appeal.
In addition to Haskell's testimony, Nygard’s attorneys argue that the trial judge erred by permitting the jury to use the evidence from one complainant to determine the credibility of the cases against other complainants. Nygard is seeking the court to overturn his conviction, or alternatively to call for a new trial. Furthermore, he is requesting a reduced sentence and any additional relief that the Appeal Court might find appropriate.
Peter Nygard, aged 84, originally founded his global women’s clothing company in Winnipeg in 1967. His fall from grace began in February 2020 when authorities raided his New York offices amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Following these events, he stepped down as the company’s chairman. Nygard also faced criminal charges in Manitoba, which were stayed in October after a ruling determined that police records from a 1993 interview were destroyed without sufficient justification, thereby infringing upon his right to a fair trial under Canada’s Charter.
Initially, prosecutors opted not to file charges in 2020; however, subsequent actions by the Manitoba government prompted an independent review by Saskatchewan Justice, which ultimately led to Nygard's arrest. Recently, Nygard's legal team filed a lawsuit against the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as Winnipeg police, alleging defamation and abuse of process related to the charges. The claims have yet to be adjudicated in court.
Looking ahead, Nygard faces additional legal challenges, including a trial in Quebec on sex-related charges and potential extradition to the United States, where he faces serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He continues to deny all allegations put forth against him.
This ongoing legal saga presents a complex intersection of high-profile allegations, trial outcomes, and appeal processes, underscoring the intricacies of the judicial system in handling sexual assault cases.
