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KENTVILLE, N.S. —

A clothing store in Kentville is pulling some of its most popular lines to make a point.

Phinneys owners Andrew and Mariam Zebian have decided to stop selling brands owned by Canadian fashion icon Peter Nygard after a class-action lawsuit was filed Feb. 13 on behalf of 10 women alleging that Nygard sexually assaulted them.

The Zebians announced the decision to stop carrying products associated with Nygard on the store’s Facebook page Feb. 17.

“Due to recent allegations against Peter Nygard, we will no longer be carrying any of the Nygard labels at Phinneys. This includes: Tan Jay, Alia, Nygard & Nygard Slims,” the post reads.

“While these brands have been popular at Phinneys and often best-sellers, in good conscience, we cannot support Mr. Nygard’s brands. The accusations against him are appalling and as parents of small children, it sickens us. An example needs to be made and this behaviour needs to stop.”

None of the allegations against Nygard, an internationally-known fashion mogul with property in the Bahamas, have been proven in court.

Mariam Zebian later said in an emailed statement that their family business cannot support someone accused of using his power to abuse others.

“Victims are often scared and embarrassed to come forward and then when they do come forward, they are victimized… as a mother of four small children, I need to see change.”

Jay Prober, Nygard's Winnipeg-based lawyer, has repeatedly denied the allegations against his client in the media. In a Feb. 13 Globe and Mail article called “Fashion executive Peter Nygard accused of sexually assaulting young girls,” Prober is quoted describing the allegations as “completely false, without foundation and vigorously denied.”

Prober did not respond to a request for comment from the Valley Journal-Advertiser.