Conor McGregor breaks silence on sexual assault trial loss
Conor McGregor has expressed his regret, but it’s seemingly not to the alleged victim who accused him of rape.
On Friday, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion was found liable after a jury in the civil case in Dublin, Ireland determined he sexually assaulted Nikita Hand in a hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying on Dec. 9, 2018.
In comments posted on X on Monday, McGregor maintained his innocence and claimed he wishes to appeal the jury’s decision that awarded Hand around $257,000 for her lawsuit.
McGregor, 36, also stated his regret for his infidelity to his fiancée, Dee Devlin, who he shares his four children with — Conor Jr., Croía, Rían, and Mack.
“People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes,” McGregor wrote. “Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me. As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision. I can’t go back and I will move forward.
“I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That’s it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits!”
Hand claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her and even threatened her life in a chokehold, leaving her heavily bruised after the incident.
“He let me go and I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” Hand said in her testimony.
Since Friday’s jury decision, McGregor has taken a hit from IO Interactive’s “Hitman” video game series, which is removing his character from the game.
The UFC and its CEO Dana White have so far been silent on the situation. McGregor hasn’t competed in the league since July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier and broke his leg in the process.
He was set to return at the UFC 303 in June, but was forced to withdraw after suffering a broken toe injury during training.