Peter Nygard with Nicole Midwin. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Embattled Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard has announced his departure from Nygard Companies following an FBI raid of his Manhattan offices. 

In an email sent last night, Nygard spokesperson Ken Frydman confirmed the news. “Recognizing the priority of the welfare of the thousands of Nygard employees, retail partners, loyal customers, vendors, suppliers and business partners, Peter Nygard has made the decision to step down as Chairman of the Nygard Companies and will divest his ownership interest.”

Global News reports that ten women recently filed a civil lawsuit against Nygard alleging he promised them modelling opportunities but they ended up drugged and engaged in sex acts at “pamper parties” at his estate in the Bahamas.