Conor McGregor Found Liable for Sexual Assault in Irish Civil Case
In a shocking turn of events, a civil jury in Ireland has ruled against mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor, finding him liable for sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The verdict, delivered on Friday, awarded the woman nearly 250,000 Euros (approximately $257,000) in damages. The lawsuit alleged that McGregor “brutally raped and battered” the woman on December 9, 2018, leaving her with severe bruising and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The case has sent shockwaves through the sports world, as McGregor, one of the most recognizable figures in MMA, has long been a polarizing figure both inside and outside the octagon. While McGregor has denied the allegations, the jury’s decision paints a grim picture of the events that unfolded that night.
McGregor Denies Allegations, Claims Encounter Was Consensual
McGregor took the stand during the trial, maintaining that the sexual encounter was consensual. He testified that he never forced the woman to do anything and accused her of fabricating the allegations. According to McGregor, the two engaged in what he described as “athletic and vigorous” sex, but he insisted it was not rough. “She never said ‘no’ or stopped,” McGregor stated, calling the allegations “a full-blown lie among many lies.”
However, the woman’s testimony painted a harrowing picture of the night in question. She claimed that McGregor, angry over a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier, took out his frustrations on her. Her attorney, John Gordon, described McGregor as “a devious coward” and urged the jury to see him for what he truly is.
Emotional Testimony from the Victim
The woman’s testimony was both emotional and graphic, as she recounted the alleged assault in detail. She claimed that McGregor put her in a chokehold multiple times and threatened to kill her during the encounter. At one point, she said McGregor told her, “Now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referencing a UFC fight where he had to admit defeat.
Fearing for her life, the woman said she complied with McGregor’s demands. “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,” she testified. She also expressed fear that she would never see her daughter again.
Defense Points to Lack of Criminal Charges
McGregor’s legal team argued that the woman’s claims were inconsistent and pointed out that police had investigated the complaint but declined to press charges. Prosecutors had determined there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Defense attorney Remy Farrell urged the jury to set aside any personal animosity they might feel toward McGregor. “You may have an active dislike of him; some of you may even loathe him,” Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.”
The defense also presented surveillance footage that they claimed contradicted the woman’s account. The video allegedly showed the woman kissing McGregor’s arm and hugging him after they left the hotel room. Farrell described her demeanor in the footage as “happy, happy, happy.”
Key Takeaways from the Trial
- The jury awarded the woman nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) in damages.
- McGregor denied all allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual.
- The woman testified that McGregor threatened her life and put her in a chokehold multiple times.
- Police investigated the complaint but declined to press criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
- Surveillance footage presented by the defense showed the woman appearing affectionate toward McGregor after the alleged assault.
What’s Next for McGregor?
While this was a civil case and not a criminal trial, the verdict is a significant blow to McGregor’s reputation. Known for his brash personality and larger-than-life persona, McGregor has often found himself at the center of controversy. This latest development adds another chapter to his tumultuous career.
As the dust settles, questions remain about how this verdict will impact McGregor’s future in MMA and his standing with fans and sponsors. For now, the jury’s decision serves as a stark reminder that even the most celebrated athletes are not above the law.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
