A civil jury in Ireland has determined that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel penthouse following a night of heavy partying. The Dublin High Court awarded the victim nearly $257,000 for her claims that McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on December 9, 2018, resulting in significant physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
During the trial, which lasted approximately six hours, McGregor was visibly displeased with the jury’s verdict. He declined to comment as he left the court surrounded by media but later expressed his intention to appeal the decision via a statement on social media, emphasizing that he believed not all evidence was presented to the jury. McGregor maintains that the encounter was consensual and characterized the allegations as fabrications.
Through her lawyer, the woman testified to feeling threatened by McGregor during the incident, including claims that he put her in a chokehold and threatened her life. Her attorney described the experience as a traumatic nightmare, stemming from what began as a night of fun.
The prosecution had previously declined to bring criminal charges against McGregor, citing insufficient evidence. Despite this, the civil court found in favor of the plaintiff, highlighting the complexities and challenges victims face when navigating allegations of sexual assault.
In his defense, McGregor’s legal team argued for the need to separate personal feelings against the fighter from their deliberations, urging jurors to evaluate the evidence objectively. They presented surveillance footage they claimed depicted the woman displaying affectionate behavior towards McGregor after leaving the hotel room, contrary to her allegations of assault.
McGregor has faced similar accusations in the past, including an investigation in the United States that did not result in criminal charges. The various allegations against him spotlight ongoing discussions and concerns regarding accountability in the realm of celebrity and sports figures.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of legal mechanisms that allow victims to seek justice, even when they face hurdles in criminal proceedings. It illustrates that civil courts can provide an avenue for accountability and reparations, potentially encouraging other victims to come forward with their stories.