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Conor McGregor broke his silence on Monday, addressing the fallout from losing a sexual assault civil trial in Dublin last week. A jury found the UFC star liable for raping Nikita Hand during a December 2018 party, awarding Hand $250,000 in damages. Despite regret, McGregor maintained his innocence, stating that the incident was consensual.
In a written post on X, McGregor reflected on the trial’s conclusion and his missteps.
“People want to hear from me, I needed time,” he wrote. “I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to (Hand’s) outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me.”
While McGregor admitted to betraying his fiancée, Dee Devlin, he remained adamant about his innocence, noting that witnesses testified under oath to the consensual nature of the encounter. The 36-year-old fighter confirmed his intent to appeal the jury’s decision, pledging to focus on his future.
“I can’t go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends, and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That’s it. No more. Getting back to the gym—the fight game awaits!”
The repercussions of the verdict extend beyond the courtroom. Earlier Monday, IO Interactive announced McGregor’s removal from the “Hitman” video game series, where his character had been available as a downloadable add-on. Although no other brands associated with McGregor have taken similar action, the UFC and Dana White have yet to comment on the ruling.
McGregor has been absent from the octagon since his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, where he sustained a severe leg injury. While he was slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303, a training injury postponed his return. McGregor’s future in the UFC and public perception remains uncertain as he faces legal challenges and professional setbacks.
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