Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield Episode 2: Uncle Peter | Behind the Mind of a Master Sex Criminal Release Date: January 23, 2025

In this harrowing second episode of "Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield," host Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the dark and disturbing world of Peter Nygaard, a Canadian clothing tycoon whose heinous crimes overshadow infamous figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. Through personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and chilling victim testimonies, Banfield unravels the complex psyche and manipulative tactics of Nygaard, shedding light on how such a predator operated seemingly unchecked for decades.

1. Introduction to Peter Nygaard

Ashleigh Banfield sets the stage by confronting the gravity of Peter Nygaard's crimes, emphasizing their vast scale and the darkness that permeated his life:

Banfield [01:11]: "He's been called the Jeffrey Epstein of Canada, but Peter Nygaard by all accounts, is so much worse. His sex assault victims allegedly number into the thousands."

Nygaard, once a charismatic figure modeled after Hugh Hefner, is portrayed not just as a wealthy tycoon but as a relentless sexual predator whose influence and power allowed him to evade justice for years.

2. Personal Accounts and Background

Banfield intertwines her personal connection to Nygaard, revealing her longstanding relationship with him:

Banfield [01:11]: "I've known Peter Nygaard since the 80s. He was called Uncle Peter. My best friend's Uncle Peter."

Through her niece, Angela Dyborne, and her mother, Susie Lount, Banfield paints a picture of Nygaard's upbringing and the impoverished, isolated environment that may have shaped his later behaviors.

Angela Dyborne [12:08]: "They left Finland after the war. They had a comfortable life in Helsinki. When they came to Canada, they ended up in absolute stark prairies, living in a one-room coal shack with no running water."

This section highlights the stark contrast between Nygaard's early life of poverty and the opulent, sexually charged lifestyle he later cultivated.

3. Unmasking Nygaard's Criminal Behavior

Banfield reveals the extent of Nygaard's sexual crimes, including his disturbing fetish:

Banfield [32:04]: "Nygaard had a particular set of kinks... he would rape his victims and sodomize them, but he would also insist that his sexual partners would defecate."

Angela Dyborne and other victims share their traumatic experiences, illustrating Nygaard's pattern of abuse and the psychological manipulation he employed to control his victims.

4. Psychological Analysis with Dr. Julian Goger

To understand the roots of Nygaard's depravity, Banfield consults Canadian forensic psychiatrist Dr. Julian Goger:

Dr. Julian Goger [05:34]: "Evaluating people with sexual deviations requires an evaluation of their development also. There may be traumatic events that laid the foundations for a person subsequently developing a problem."

Goger explores the possibility that Nygaard's own childhood trauma, potentially sexual assault, contributed to his later sexual deviance, emphasizing the complex interplay between victimization and perpetration.

Dr. Goger [09:03]: "Hurt people, hurt people."

Despite any potential early victimization, Goger underscores the importance of accountability, balancing sympathy with the necessity of holding perpetrators responsible.

5. Nygaard's Obsession with Longevity and Control

Nygaard's fixation on staying young and in control is dissected, revealing his extreme measures:

Angela Dyborne [37:40]: "It started because my grandma was ill and died, and he started to explore alternative health options. He realized the benefits of anti-aging stuff."

Nygaard's pursuit of eternal youth through steroids, stem cell treatments, and even cloning reflects a desperate need to maintain control and power, further fueling his manipulative and abusive behaviors.

Greg Gutzler [37:17]: "I'm the only guy in the world who has my own embryonic stem cells growing in a petri dish."

6. The Victims' Stories and Psychological Abuse

Banfield presents heart-wrenching testimonies from victims like Jennifer Gilmer, who recount their terrifying encounters with Nygaard:

Jennifer Gilmer [44:10]: "I was just left there by my tennis coach and I was just an easy target... He raped me, but he sodomized me. That was probably the worst pain that I have ever experienced."

Beyond physical abuse, Nygaard's mastery of psychological manipulation created an environment of fear and control:

Angela Dyborne [46:54]: "People were terrified of him... You just never knew we had this thing. Don't make eye contact when he's walking through the building."

This pervasive fear ensured that victims and employees alike remained silent and compliant, allowing Nygaard's reign of terror to continue unchallenged.

7. Family Dynamics and the "Uncle Peter" Persona

Exploring Nygaard's impact on his own family, Banfield reveals how he weaponized familial loyalty:

Angela Dyborne [13:23]: "Family loyalty instilled at a young age might be a positive attribute in most families, but for Nygaard, it was a weapon."

Angela's childhood memories depict a man who used his status and presence to normalize his abusive behavior, masking his true nature behind a veneer of family-oriented charm.

Angela Dyborne [22:00]: "Exposure to sex... we were inundated with the sexualization of women. It was very normalized."

8. Conclusion: The Unraveling of a Predator

Banfield concludes by emphasizing the chilling nature of Nygaard's crimes and the profound impact on his victims and family:

Banfield [48:36]: "Nygaard was a sex criminal operating in plain sight... His ego grew as fast as his business."

The episode serves as a stark reminder of how power, wealth, and manipulation can coexist with unimaginable evil, urging listeners to remain vigilant and supportive of victims.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Banfield [01:11]: "He's been called the Jeffrey Epstein of Canada, but Peter Nygaard by all accounts, is so much worse. His sex assault victims allegedly number into the thousands."
• Angela Dyborne [12:08]: "They left Finland after the war... living in a one-room coal shack with no running water."
• Dr. Julian Goger [09:03]: "Hurt people, hurt people."
• Jennifer Gilmer [44:10]: "He raped me, but he sodomized me. That was probably the worst pain that I have ever experienced."
• Angela Dyborne [46:54]: "People were terrified of him... Don't make eye contact when he's walking through the building."
• Greg Gutzler [37:17]: "I'm the only guy in the world who has my own embryonic stem cells growing in a petri dish."

Final Thoughts

"Uncle Peter | Behind the Mind of a Master Sex Criminal" is a gripping and unsettling exploration into the life and crimes of Peter Nygaard. Ashleigh Banfield masterfully combines personal narratives, expert insights, and victim testimonies to create a comprehensive and compelling account of one of Canada's most notorious sex criminals. This episode not only exposes the depths of Nygaard's depravity but also serves as a call to action for awareness and support for survivors of sexual abuse.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, please reach out to your local sexual assault hotline for assistance.