In November, a Dublin High Court jury ruled that Conor McGregor was liable for the assault of Nikita Hand, who accused him of “brutal rape and battery” in a hotel penthouse in 2018. McGregor has been ordered to compensate Hand €250,000 (approximately $400,000) along with €1.3 million ($2.3 million) in legal fees.
Hand, now 35, successfully took McGregor to civil court after prosecutors opted not to file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence for a likely conviction. The media typically does not disclose the identities of alleged sexual violence victims unless they publicly acknowledge it, which Hand has done.
McGregor maintains that Hand fabricated her allegations following consensual sexual activity. He pursued an appeal against the ruling; however, during a recent hearing, his legal counsel unexpectedly withdrew their request to present new evidence. Subsequently, three judges in a Dublin appeals court dismissed McGregor’s appeal in its entirety. While Hand was present for the court’s decision, McGregor was absent.
At 37, the MMA fighter, once a prominent face of the UFC, has gained notoriety for his anti-immigration remarks and criticism of Irish political figures, even hinting at a potential presidential run in the future. In addition to the Dublin case, McGregor is currently facing another lawsuit in Florida, where he is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a bathroom at the Kaseya Centre during an NBA finals game in 2023.
For anyone seeking support related to sexual violence, assistance is available through 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 211 028. In emergency situations, individuals should call Triple Zero (000).