Conor McGregor, the Irish mixed martial arts star, has been ordered to pay over €248,000 (£206,000) in damages after a jury found him liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. The verdict comes after eight days of evidence and six hours of jury deliberations at the High Court in Dublin.
A Long Fight for Justice
Nikita Hand, a 35-year-old mother and former hairdresser, accused McGregor of pinning her to a bed and assaulting her during an incident following a Christmas party. The jury heard evidence of her physical injuries, including extensive bruising, abrasions, and a bloodied scratch. Ms. Hand also described long-term impacts on her mental health, career, and personal life.
McGregor denied the allegations, claiming the injuries could have resulted from Ms. Hand’s actions, including diving into a bath. Another man, James Lawrence, who was also accused by Ms. Hand, was found not liable by the jury.
Following the verdict, Ms. Hand expressed gratitude for the support she received and emphasized the importance of speaking out. “I want to show my daughter and others that you can stand up for yourself, no matter who the person is,” she said.
Conor McGregor Plans Appeal
Conor McGregor, who attended the trial with his family, announced his intention to appeal the decision. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he thanked his supporters and stated he was focusing on his future with his family.
Ms. Hand’s story has been a sobering reminder of the toll such incidents take on survivors. Unable to work due to mental health struggles, she has faced financial difficulties, including mortgage arrears. The damages awarded represent a recognition of her suffering, but the case underscores the broader challenges survivors face when seeking justice against high-profile figures.
