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Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion, has vowed to appeal the recent Dublin civil court decision finding him liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in 2018. McGregor, 36, was ordered to pay €240,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages after a jury ruled against him on Friday, marking a significant moment in his controversial career.
The case stemmed from an incident at a Dublin hotel penthouse on December 9, 2018, following a night of heavy partying. Hand alleged that McGregor assaulted her, leaving her physically and emotionally scarred. "He let me go, and I remember apologizing, thinking I had done something wrong," Hand testified, describing the ordeal as life-altering. The court also heard detailed accounts of the medical treatment Hand sought after the assault, further corroborating her claims.
In his defense, McGregor maintained that their interaction was consensual, with multiple witnesses supporting his version under oath. On Monday, McGregor took to social media platform X, expressing regret for stepping out on his fiancée, Dee Devlin, but firmly denying any wrongdoing. "I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have shut the party down," McGregor wrote. He added, "Everything that happened that night was consensual, and I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision."
Despite McGregor's defiance, the fallout has been significant. The Irish mixed martial arts star faces professional and personal repercussions, including being dropped from IO Interactive's Hitman video game series. The UFC, led by CEO Dana White, has yet to comment on the situation. McGregor, who hasn't competed in the UFC since 2021, cited plans to return to training and regain focus on his career.
Hand, who has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder since the incident, expressed relief at the verdict. Speaking outside the court, she acknowledged the support of her family, legal team, and healthcare professionals. "I hope my story inspires others to stand up for themselves, no matter who the perpetrator is," Hand stated.
While McGregor's legacy remains tarnished by this case, the verdict underscores a growing cultural reckoning around accountability and power. As the legal battle continues with McGregor's planned appeal, the case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges surrounding sexual assault allegations involving high-profile individuals.
For Hand, the decision marks a critical step toward healing and reclaiming her life. For McGregor, it is a sobering juncture in a career defined by both unparalleled triumphs and deeply personal controversies.
