Outraged McGregor speaks out and promises to appeal after being convicted in sexual assault case

Conor McGregor speaks out after being convicted of rape. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@thenotoriousmma

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Conor McGregor has spoken out publicly after being convicted by an Irish civil jury in a sexual assault case. In a statement released this Friday (22), shortly after the sentence, the UFC star expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision and promised to appeal in the second instance.

“I will be appealing today’s decision. The judge’s directions and the modest damages awarded were for assault, not aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP (Director of Criminal Prosecutions) reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future. I am grateful for all the support from around the world,” McGregor said.

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McGregor's statement signals a protracted legal battle, with the fighter seeking to overturn the conviction and award €250 (about $1,5) in damages to the victim, Nikita Hand. The woman accused McGregor of rape and assault at a luxury Dublin hotel in 2018 after a party. Because it is a civil conviction, the ruling does not carry criminal consequences.

In his defense, McGregor vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the encounter with Nikita Hand was consensual. The fighter and his legal team argued that the jury's decision was based on insufficient evidence and that the amount of compensation was excessive.

Quoted by McGregor, 'DPP' refers to the Director of Public Prosecutions (Director of Criminal Proceedings), which is a legal position in some countries, such as the UK or Australia. The DPP is responsible for reviewing and deciding on the progress of criminal cases, including deciding whether or not to pursue a prosecution.

I will be appealing today's decision. The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future.…

Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 22, 2024

Understand the case

The story, which takes place in December 2018 in a Dublin hotel, begins at a costume party at a nightclub. The woman, who knew a cousin of McGregor, was invited by the fighter to a party at his hotel. On the way, according to the report, the Irishman allegedly consumed cocaine and offered it to the two women. When they arrived at the hotel, the rooms were separated and the alleged victim was left alone with McGregor.

It was at this moment that, according to the complaint, the acts of sexual assault occurred. The woman claims that the fighter forced and assaulted her, uttering phrases that referred to the defeat in front of Khabib Nurmagomedov, finally, months before. After the incident, she reports having few memories and having been taken home in a taxi.