Conor McGregor must pay $250,000 to woman who says he 'brutally raped her', civil jury rules
A woman who sued Conor McGregor for sexual assault may now put the court struggle behind her.
Conor McGregor.
A High Court of Dublin jury decided in favor of Nikita Hand, a woman who claimed the mixed martial artist "brutally raped and battered" her during a 2018 meeting, in a November 22 ruling.
Paul Morigi/Getty Images for The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund
According to the BBC, Hand told reporters outside the courthouse that the jury's verdict in the civil case was "a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up; you have a voice."
According to the Associated Press, McGregor testified that he "never forced" Hand to do anything against her will, and that he and Hand had "consensual sex" in a Dublin hotel penthouse in 2018.
In a statement to TMZ following the November 22 judgment, the UFC fighter said, "The judge's instruction and the modest award given were for assault; there was no award for aggravated or exemplary damages."
He noted: "I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed." (In 2020, the DPP, or Director of Public Prosecutions in Dublin, informed Hand that there was insufficient evidence to pursue her accusation as a criminal prosecution.)
"I am with my family," he continued, "focused on my future."
According to CBS News, the civil court case began earlier this month, when Hand gave an emotional testimony about the alleged attack.
Hand had revealed that McGregor had put her in a chokehold "several times" during their 2018 meeting, and that he had informed her during her difficulties, "Now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times," referring to a loss he had suffered during the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The hair colorist, who has a daughter, stated that she feared for her life after McGregor had intercourse with her.
"He let me go and I remember saying I was sorry," According to the Associated Press, Hand went into depth throughout her testimony. "I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again."
McGregor, who was supported by partner Dee Devlin, with whom he has been with since 2008, said in his own testimony that Hand's statement was "a lie" and described the intercourse as "athletic" and "vigorous," but not rough, adding, "She never said 'no,' or stopped."
McGregor has already faced legal issues related to sexual assault charges. In 2023, a woman accused the MMA fighter of attacking her in the Miami Heat's toilet during an NBA Finals game. The State Attorney's Office in Miami later shared that no criminal charges would be brought in connection with the allegation, citing insufficient evidence.
