A Dublin jury's verdict on the civil case against Conor McGregor not only holds the fighter accountable but also empowers victims of sexual assault to come forward.
Conor McGregor Found Liable in Civil Case of Assault Against Woman
Conor McGregor Found Liable in Civil Case of Assault Against Woman
The Irish MMA star has been ordered to pay over €248,000 in damages after a jury ruled in favor of his accuser.
A woman who brought allegations of rape against MMA fighter Conor McGregor has won her civil lawsuit, with a jury finding that McGregor assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. The court ordered McGregor to pay the claimant, Nikita Hand, over €248,000 (£206,000) in damages.
The jury deliberated for nearly a day before delivering their verdict, confirming that McGregor did indeed assault Hand, while denying liability for a related claim against another man, James Lawrence, who was also accused of assaulting her.
After the ruling, Hand expressed her gratitude for the support she received through the ordeal. "I want to show my daughter Freya and every young girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens, and that justice will prevail," she stated.
Hand emphasized the importance of speaking out, urging other victims of sexual assault that they too have a voice. Both McGregor and Lawrence had denied the allegations, claiming that their interactions with Hand were consensual.
As Mr. Justice Alex Owens underscored the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, the jury was tasked with judging the matter based on the balance of probabilities. This case has spotlighted issues of accountability and empowerment for sexual assault survivors in Ireland and beyond.
