Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield Episode: Uncle Peter | Episode 6: Justice for the Victims of Peter Nygard Release Date: February 20, 2025

Introduction

In the sixth and final installment of the "Uncle Peter" series, Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the harrowing saga of Peter Nygard, a once-prominent fashion mogul now facing severe legal battles for his alleged heinous crimes. This episode not only revisits past headlines but also ties up loose ends, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Nygard's downfall and its profound impact on his victims and family.

Personal Connection and Background

Ashleigh Banfield reveals her personal connection to the case, emphasizing the longstanding relationship she had with Nygard and his family. Angela Dyborne, Nygard’s niece and one of his longtime employees, is spotlighted as a central figure in the narrative.

Ashleigh Banfield [02:14]: "This story is very personal to me because I knew Peter Nygaard as a kid... his niece, Angela Dyborne, was one of my childhood best friends."

Legal Proceedings and Current Status of Peter Nygard

Nygard, now 83, is incarcerated in Canada serving an 11-year sentence for sexual assault. However, his legal troubles are far from over, with three more criminal trials pending for additional rapes spanning several decades. Banfield outlines the grueling legal journey awaiting Nygard, including trials in Montreal and Winnipeg, and a potential federal trial in the United States.

Ashleigh Banfield [03:18]: "Nygaard is locked up in Canada, serving an 11-year sentence for sexual assault of four women... if he is still alive in January of 2025, his next trial will be in Montreal."

Attorney Greg Gutzler’s Insights

Greg Gutzler, Nygard's civil attorney, provides a nuanced perspective on the defense's strategy and the challenges posed by Nygard's deteriorating health.

Greg Gutzler [05:37]: "He is certainly one who manipulates, he deceives, and that's what he does. What do I think is going to play out? He's going to get convicted in Montreal, he's going to get convicted in Winnipeg... he will get convicted in New York."

Gutzler emphasizes that justice for the victims transcends financial compensation, focusing instead on accountability and acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Greg Gutzler [06:25]: "They want to be believed. They want accountability and they want him...to take accountability and responsibility."

Victim Testimony: Jenny Gilmer

Jenny Gilmer, one of the accusers in the class action lawsuit against Nygard, shares her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted at his Bahamas resort. Her detailed recounting underscores the brutality and manipulation employed by Nygard.

Jenny Gilmer [07:51]: "He forced himself on me and I screamed for him to stop and he did not... he sodomized me. And that was probably the worst pain that I have ever experienced."

Jenny expresses skepticism about Nygard ever taking responsibility for his actions, highlighting the emotional toll of seeking justice.

Jenny Gilmer [11:42]: "I don't think he'll ever take responsibility and acknowledge what he has done."

Impact on Angela Dyborne and Her Family

Angela Dyborne discusses the devastating repercussions of the lawsuit falsely accusing her of being an accomplice to Nygard's crimes. The legal battle severely damaged her reputation and personal life, leading to loss of employment, social ostracization, and emotional trauma.

Angela Dyborne [20:40]: "It shattered... our family. It has my children. It's ruined their lives."

Angela details the relentless social backlash, including unfounded rumors and the destruction of her professional credentials, leaving her struggling to secure employment despite her innocence.

Angela Dyborne [24:38]: "I've applied for over 300 different positions... I get ghosted."

Expert Analysis: Justice, Accountability, and Healing

Dr. Julian Goger, a forensic psychiatrist, discusses the psychological importance of accountability and punishment in the healing process for victims. He underscores that acknowledgment from perpetrators is crucial for victims to achieve closure and move forward.

Dr. Julian Goger [12:54]: "The apology means a lot to victims... it allows people to then process that information and move on psychologically."

Dr. Goger also touches on the societal implications of punishing offenders, emphasizing deterrence and the reinforcement of social norms against such behaviors.

Family Dynamics and the Broader Impact

Angela Dyborne reflects on the fractured state of the Nygard family, attributing the discord to years of manipulation and misinformation propagated by Peter Nygard. The family's internal strife exemplifies the extensive damage caused by Nygard's actions, not just to his direct victims but also to his immediate relations.

Angela Dyborne [27:28]: "A lot of family members lived in silos and were told small pieces of the story by Peter... Now, are they holding each other to blame?"

Peter Nygard’s Response and Final Reflections

Nygard's response to Banfield’s request for an interview highlights his continued denial and attempts to rehabilitate his image through media projects. This interaction reinforces his manipulative nature and lack of remorse.

Peter Nygard's Statement: "I am more than willing to be interviewed by you... I'm investing heavily into a movie project to restore my reputation."

Banfield concludes by expressing her anger and sorrow over the lasting impact of Nygard’s exploitation, not only on the victims but also on his family and employees.

Ashleigh Banfield [26:08]: "Having worked so hard for Uncle Peter since the 80s... I got angry at how Peter used her all of those years."

Conclusion

The episode culminates in a poignant reflection on the quest for justice amidst overwhelming odds. Angela Dyborne and Jenny Gilmer embody the resilience of Nygard's victims, striving for accountability in a system often slow to respond. Ashleigh Banfield emphasizes the enduring need for truth and closure, underscoring the personal and societal imperative to confront and rectify such profound injustices.

Angela Dyborne [31:22]: "My one wish would be that he could say sorry... if before all of this is over for him and before he dies, that there'd be something saying, holy hell, I messed up."

Key Takeaways

• Peter Nygard's Legal Battles: Nygard faces multiple trials across Canada and the United States, with significant doubts about his ability to survive the lengthy legal process due to his age and health.

• Victims' Pursuit of Justice: Despite systemic challenges, victims like Jenny Gilmer and Angela Dyborne persist in seeking accountability, emphasizing the importance of being heard and acknowledged.

• Family Fallout: Nygard's actions have irreparably damaged not only his victims but also his own family, leading to fractured relationships and widespread stigma.

• Psychological Impact of Accountability: Expert insights highlight the essential role of acknowledgment and punishment in the healing process for survivors of sexual assault.

• Enduring Resilience: The episode underscores the resilience of survivors, advocating for sustained efforts in the fight against sexual abuse and the pursuit of justice.

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