Nikita Hand vs. Conor McGregor: Jury Rules in Favor of the Accuser in Sexual Assault Case.

Published on 27 November 2024, by Marine Beaumont | Europe. 

Conor McGregor has lost a civil lawsuit filed by Nikita Hand (also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin) in Ireland. She accused the MMA star of sexual assault, a charge McGregor vehemently denied. However, in November 2024, the jury at Dublin’s High Court ruled in Hand’s favor and awarded her more than €250,000 in damages.

Given McGregor's high profile in the MMA community, the verdict came as a shock to many.

Hand, 35, a mother of one, spoke to the press following the jury's ruling on November 22, 2024. “I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I’ve received,” Hand said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to my daughter Freya, whose strength has helped me endure this painful ordeal over the last six years. She’s been my inspiration to fight for justice. I want to show her, and every other child, that standing up for yourself is possible, regardless of who the person is, and that justice will prevail.”

Hand accused McGregor, 36, of “brutally raping and battering” her in 2018 at a penthouse in Dublin.

McGregor denied the accusations, claiming their sexual encounter was consensual. He stated that the experience was “enthusiastic and athletic,” and that Hand never said “no” or stopped him. In contrast, Hand claimed she told McGregor “no” while he kissed her and alleged that he then pinned her to the bed, choking her. McGregor dismissed her testimony, calling it a fabrication.

Despite McGregor's denial, the jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting Hand in 2018. McGregor's legal team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict.