Conor McGregor Defends Himself Against Sexual Assault Claims in Dublin Court

Conor McGregor

In a Dublin courtroom, UFC star Conor McGregor vehemently denied allegations of sexual assault made against him by a woman named Nikita Hand, stating that their sexual encounter in late 2018 was consensual. The civil lawsuit, which is in its second week, marks the first time McGregor has publicly responded to the accusations.

McGregor testified on Wednesday, recounting his version of events from that December night. The two first encountered each other at a bar following Hand's work party, where they, along with McGregor’s friend James Lawrence and Hand’s coworker Danielle Kealey, reportedly used cocaine and later headed to a hotel room. According to Hand’s claim, McGregor forcibly assaulted her in the room. McGregor, however, painted a starkly different narrative, claiming that Hand had been physically affectionate from the start, followed him to a bathroom, and initiated sexual contact. He described the experience as “the most scared thing I have gone through in my life” upon learning that authorities might investigate him.

During his testimony, McGregor referred to Hand’s claims as “lies and more lies.” He claimed that Hand willingly performed oral sex on him, followed by consensual intercourse, refuting her allegations of forceful assault. He also denied causing bruises observed on Hand in medical examinations following the alleged incident, stating,

“I will tell you where she didn’t get [the bruises] from, me.”

Various witnesses have testified in previous sessions, including emergency room staff and detectives, confirming details consistent with Hand’s account.

Additionally, Hand's coworker Danielle Kealey shared her observations from the night in question. She stated she was unaware of any altercation, asserting that everything appeared normal when Hand returned from McGregor’s room.

"Everything was fine and no one was in bad form," Kealey told the court, adding that she neither saw nor heard anything to indicate distress from Hand.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, outlines damages between $1.79 and $2.13 million, claiming Hand experienced a significant decline in productivity and mental health following the incident. Judge Alex Owens, presiding over the civil trial, estimated the proceedings would span roughly two weeks, with McGregor’s testimony set to continue the following day.