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Former UFC champion Conor McGregor finds himself in the spotlight once again, but this time for reasons outside the Octagon. A Dublin High Court jury has found McGregor liable in a civil suit concerning an alleged sexual assault from December 2018. The verdict holds the Irish MMA star accountable for damages amounting to €248,603.60 (approximately $258,440), which he must pay to the accuser, Nikita Hand.
The case stems from an incident at the Beacon Hotel penthouse suite in Dublin. Hand accused McGregor of attempting to force her into non-consensual sex, later describing the ordeal as a "rape and battering" in her testimony. To support her claims, she presented evidence, including accounts from a physician and psychologist.
McGregor, who took the stand on November 13, denied all allegations, asserting that any interaction was consensual. He described his sexual encounters as athletic and physical, but firmly refuted Hand’s accusations, stating to her attorney,
"Your client is full of lies. Everything is a lie."
While Irish law employs a balance of probabilities standard in civil cases—requiring claims to be deemed more likely than not—this verdict marked a significant moment in McGregor’s contentious legal history. After the trial, Hand delivered a heartfelt statement, emphasizing the importance of speaking out.
"I want to show my daughter and others that you can stand up for yourself, no matter who the person is," she said.
Reflecting on the toll the incident has taken, Hand added,
“This has impacted not only my life but my family and friends. Now that justice is served, I can begin to move forward.”
McGregor, a polarizing figure in and out of the cage, exited the courthouse without addressing reporters. Shortly after the verdict, he tweeted his intention to appeal but deleted the post hours later.
The UFC star has not competed professionally since a severe leg injury during his bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Despite his ongoing legal battles, McGregor remains a prominent figure in the UFC roster.
As the case continues to unfold, it underscores the enduring complexities surrounding public figures and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
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