The three-part original documentary series features exclusive interviews with survivors, never-before-seen photos and video footage
Documentary dissects the culture and events that enabled disgraced fashion designer Peter Nygård to allegedly abuse his power for more than four decades
(Toronto, ON – March 7, 2022) Blue Ant Studios announced today the three-hour CBC original documentary series, Evil by Design: Surviving Nygård, commissioned by Canada’s public broadcaster. The series searches for the truth behind allegations of Peter Nygård’s 40-year reign of terror featuring first-hand accounts from the survivors who tell harrowing stories of abuse, some of whom are speaking out for the first time. Based on investigative reporting from CBC News and the landmark audio series from CBC Podcasts, Evil by Design, this new documentary series examines the culture that kept allegations of Nygård’s predatory behavior hidden, while spotlighting the whistle-blowers who seek to bring him to justice.
While Nygård built a fashion empire, he is also alleged to have preyed on numerous women. Today, the suspected list of survivors reaches into the hundreds, if not more – possibly making Nygård the most prolific and protected rapist of our time. Featuring testimonies from survivors, former employees, investigative journalists, legal experts, law enforcement, and family members.
The CBC original documentary series will premiere Thursday, March 17 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV, the free CBC Gem streaming service.
“Evil by Design: Surviving Nygård gives a voice to powerful stories describing decades of abuse by Peter Nygard and the brave women who search for justice,” says Blue Ant Studios SVP Development and Production, Jennifer Harkness.
From Showrunner and Executive Producer, Sarah Sharkey Pearce: “We hope the stories and information uncovered in this series will help shed light on the events that unfolded over four decades, ultimately leading to his arrest and pending trial.”
In December 2020, Nygård was arrested and charged with numerous counts of sexual assault and sex trafficking in the State of New York. Charges in Canada followed in October of 2021. To date, Nygård has denied all allegations and is currently in custody in Toronto. He has agreed to extradition to the United States.
“Audiences who have followed this story for over a decade will welcome the perspective and context offered in this new documentary series on how alleged abusive behaviour of this magnitude was allowed to flourish,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “Evil by Design: Surviving Nygård continues to shine a light on the strength of the whistleblowers and survivors who deserve justice and risked so much to tell their stories.”
Evil by Design: Surviving Nygård is led by Showrunner and Executive Producer, Sarah Sharkey Pearce. Produced by the multi award-winning production company, Blue Ant Studios (Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell, Peacock/Sky/Crave). Deborah Wainwright is Director and Kim Creelman serves as Producer. Timothy Sawa, Alison Duke, Jennifer Harkness, Sam Sniderman and Laura Michalchyshyn are Executive Producers. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual, & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; Sandra Kleinfeld is Senior Director, Documentary; and Jordana Ross is Executive in Charge of Production. The documentary series is available for licensing outside of North America by Blue Ant International.