UFC superstar Conor McGregor has been ordered to pay €250,000 in damages to Nikita Hand after a Dublin civil court jury found him liable for assault in connection with a 2018 incident at a Dublin hotel.
Hand accused McGregor of “brutally r*ping and battering” her, claims the fighter has vehemently denied, maintaining that their encounter was consensual.
The Case and Verdict
The case revolved around allegations that McGregor assaulted Hand after a night of partying, during which drugs and alcohol were reportedly consumed.
Hand testified that McGregor pinned her down, placed her in a chokehold, and threatened her life before forcing her to have sex. She described fearing she would never see her daughter again.
Medical professionals testified to the severity of Hand’s injuries, with one paramedic describing the bruising as unlike anything she had seen before.
After six hours of deliberation, the jury ruled against McGregor but dismissed charges against his friend, James Lawrence, whom Hand also accused of assault.
McGregor showed no reaction as the verdict was announced but later vowed to appeal the decision.
McGregor’s Reaction
Taking to social media platform X, McGregor dismissed the verdict as unjust, writing, “Justice was served for James Lawrence, yes! Deplorable what they’ve done. Nikita Hand, vicious liar! APPEAL!” He defended Lawrence, calling his exoneration a victory and declaring that he, too, would soon be vindicated. “On we fight! Justice and truth will prevail! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal!” McGregor added.
McGregor also expressed frustration with the legal process, alleging that key evidence was ignored and criticizing the jury’s decision.
Speaking to TMZ, McGregor said, “The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I’m disappointed the jury didn’t hear all the evidence the DPP reviewed.”
Nikita Hand’s Statement
Hand, visibly emotional after the verdict, thanked her supporters, family, and friends. She credited her daughter for giving her the strength to pursue justice over the six-year ordeal. “I want to show her and every other boy and girl that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served,” Hand said.
Her legal team accused McGregor of channeling frustration from a previous loss in Las Vegas into violence against Hand.
They described him as a “coward” and urged the jury to hold him accountable.
Defense Arguments and Surveillance Evidence
McGregor’s defense team argued that Hand’s claims were fabricated and highlighted surveillance footage showing her kissing McGregor’s arm and appearing cheerful after the alleged incident.
They contended this suggested a consensual encounter rather than an assault. McGregor, describing their interaction as “athletic and vigorous,” called Hand’s testimony a “full-blown lie.”
Ongoing Legal Battle
Despite the civil court ruling, McGregor continues to deny all allegations and has announced plans to appeal. His strong public statements reflect his determination to clear his name and defend Lawrence, who he believes was unfairly accused.
This verdict adds to the controversies surrounding McGregor, who has faced multiple legal and personal challenges in recent years.
While his future in the UFC remains uncertain, McGregor’s ongoing battle to restore his reputation ensures the case will remain in the spotlight.
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