A jury in Dublin has ruled in favor of Nikita Hand, who accused UFC superstar Conor McGregor of sexually assaulting her in December 2018. The court ordered McGregor to pay Hand €248,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages.
The case revolved around an incident that took place at a Dublin hotel, where Hand alleged that McGregor assaulted her after a Christmas party. The BBC reported that Hand’s testimony detailed how McGregor forced her onto a bed, choked her, and made her fear for her life. A paramedic who treated Hand the next morning testified that he had never seen such intense bruising on a victim.
Hand’s lawyer, John Gordon, argued that Conor McGregor’s actions were driven by anger over a recent fight loss. He described McGregor as “a devious coward” and urged the jury to see him for what he is. Hand’s emotional testimony included claims that McGregor threatened to kill her and that she feared she would never see her daughter again.
Conor McGregor, who denied the accusations, maintained that the encounter was consensual. He described the sex as athletic and vigorous but not rough, and he dismissed Hand’s allegations as lies. McGregor’s lawyer, Remy Farrell, asked the jury to set aside any personal animosity toward the fighter and focus on the evidence.
The jury, composed of eight women and four men, ultimately sided with Hand, finding McGregor guilty of assault. Some hours ago on X, McGregor announced his intention to appeal the decision, expressing disappointment that the jury did not hear all the evidence reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, the post has since been deleted.
The case also brought to light an incident in which masked men broke into Hand’s home, smashed some windows, and stabbed her boyfriend. While there was no suggestion that McGregor was behind the attack, it added to Hand’s anxiety and contributed to her decision to relocate.
According to The Guardian, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre emphasized how crucial this case is for making it clear that just because someone submits to a situation, it doesn’t mean they have given their consent. They also pointed out that engaging in risky activities, like drinking alcohol or using drugs, should never be viewed as permission for sexual activity.