Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has expressed regret over his infidelity and announced plans to appeal the verdict in a civil case where he was found liable for sexual assault.
The case, which concluded on November 22, 2024, at the High Court in Dublin, Ireland, involved allegations by Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, who accused McGregor of raping her in a hotel penthouse in December 2018 after a night of heavy partying.
The jury awarded Ms. Hand €248,603.60 (£206,714.31) in damages. During the trial, Ms. Hand provided emotional testimony, recounting how McGregor put her in a chokehold and threatened her life, leaving her fearing she would never see her daughter again. Despite McGregor's claims that the encounter was consensual, the jury found him liable after deliberating for over six hours.
Following the verdict, McGregor took to social media to express his remorse, stating, "I know I made mistakes," and acknowledging his regret for being unfaithful to his partner, Dee Devlin, with whom he shares four children. He emphasized his intention to appeal the decision, asserting, "I can't go back and I will move forward."
The case has sparked public demonstrations in support of Ms. Hand, with activists calling for increased action against violence towards women. A protest organized by the socialist feminist movement group Rosa took place in Dublin, where participants chanted slogans like "stand with Nikita" and "no more fear, no more shaming - we reject your victim blaming."
Ms. Hand, who was not present at the demonstration, was praised for her bravery in standing up for survivors of assault. She expressed hope that her case would inspire other victims to seek justice, saying, "I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice."
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