Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has been found liable for a 2018 sexual assault in a civil lawsuit filed by Nikita Hand. A jury at Dublin’s High Court ordered McGregor to pay €248,000 in damages after determining he sexually assaulted Hand in December 2018.
Hand alleged that McGregor and another man, James Lawrence, had non-consensual sex with her while intoxicated. The jury concluded McGregor was liable but cleared Lawrence of any wrongdoing. McGregor admitted in court to having sex with Hand but maintained it was consensual. Criminal charges were not pursued in the case.
Hand, citing mental health struggles and inability to work, initially sought damages of up to $2.13 million. During the trial, her lawyer accused McGregor of attempting to shift blame onto Lawrence.
McGregor expressed disappointment with the verdict and confirmed plans to appeal. Following the judgment, he issued a statement focusing on his family and future.
The verdict could impact McGregor’s political aspirations, including his potential 2025 Irish presidential run. In September, McGregor outlined his vision for Ireland, pledging reforms to address corruption and support working families.
McGregor, whose last UFC fight was in 2021, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years.
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