Conor McGregor has been found guilty following a sexual assault lawsuit.
The Irish UFC star was accused of sexually assaulting a woman, Nikita Hand, in Dublin back in December 2018. Hand claimed the fighter “brutally raped and battered” her at a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel.
McGregor argued that he had consensual sex with his accuser; however, a jury found him guilty on Friday. He has been ordered to pay $328,000 as a result.
The 37-year-old did not speak to reporters while leaving the courthouse.
Hand, meanwhile, addressed the media following the trial.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from everybody…I want to show that every 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. To all the victims of sexual assault I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice, keep up fighting for justice,” she said.
Conor McGregor Makes Statement After Losing Lawsuit
Hand had filed a criminal report against McGregor following the alleged incident but was forced to take the matter civil as prosecutors said there “was no reasonable prospect of a conviction.”
Meanwhile, McGregor has taken to social media with a statement indicating he will appeal the verdict.
“I will be appealing today’s decision,” he wrote in a post on X. “The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide ❤️🙏.”
