BREAKING: Nikita Hand speaks outside court. pic.twitter.com/H1K4eit8Ug
— Paul Healy (@Healyhack) November 22, 2024
A jury has found Ultimate Fighting Championship star Conor McGregor liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in 2018.
The trial of McGregor has come to an end, with the Dublin High Court finding that McGregor assaulted Hand during their 2018 encounter. She testified earlier that both he and another man, James Lawrence, raped her at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin on Dec. 9, 2018. The jury did not find that Lawrence had assaulted her. As a result of the civil case decision, according to the Irish Mirror and RTE, “Notorious” has been ordered to pay 248,603.60 euros ($259,025) to Hand in damages.
McGregor denied all accusations of harmful contact, claiming any activity was consensual when describing the acts he believed she had consented to. Hand relayed a number of injuries including bruising all over her body, to which McGregor stated never came from him. When filing the suit in 2021, Hand pursued damages upwards of $2 million for her injuries as well as lost wages and forced relocation due to harassment and threats for coming out against the beloved fighter. She also filed a personal injury suit against him, one that is currently pending.
Hand issued a statement after the ruling, first thanking her family and friends for their support as well as her legal team to get here.
“I want to show [my daughter] and every other girl and boy 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 voice, and keep on fighting for justice,” she remarked.
As this was not a criminal trial, McGregor was not found “guilty” of any crimes. Additionally, the evidentiary standard is lowered, meaning that the burden is proving that it was more likely than not that McGregor assaulted her, rather than that it was beyond a reasonable doubt. The civil decision can be appealed from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, and one final step of appeal is the Supreme Court. McGregor has not competed in combat sports since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, with multiple engagements against Michael Chandler falling through the last few years.
I will be appealing today’s decision. 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.…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 22, 2024
While he did not stop to make a statement outside of the courtroom, McGregor did post on social media shortly after to announce his intentions.
“I will be appealing today’s decision,” the Irishman wrote. “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 [Director of Public Prosecutions] reviewed. I am with family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide.”
