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Conor McGregor has expressed regret after a jury found him liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand, although the UFC star maintained his innocence in the case. The verdict, which was reached on Friday after a 12-day trial in Dublin, determined McGregor was responsible for sexually assaulting Hand after a night of partying in December 2018. The jury awarded Hand approximately $250,000 in damages.
In a written post shared on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor commented on the outcome and his plans for an appeal, stating, “I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to [Hand’s] 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.” However, McGregor insisted, “As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual, and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath.”
McGregor’s Response and Appeal Plans
Following the jury’s ruling, McGregor vowed to appeal the decision. “I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision,” he wrote on social media.
Despite his regret over the situation, McGregor reaffirmed his innocence regarding the sexual assault allegations. "I can’t go back, and I will move forward," he added. "I am beyond grateful to my family, friends, and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side."
The UFC star also acknowledged his actions regarding his personal life, specifically his relationship with his fiancée Dee Devlin, who is also the mother of his four children. He admitted to cheating on Devlin, saying, "I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most."
Impact on McGregor’s Career and Public Image
McGregor, 36, has not fought in the UFC since a July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, during which he suffered a gruesome leg injury. He was scheduled to return to the octagon in June against Michael Chandler, but that plan was halted after McGregor sustained a toe injury in training.
In light of the jury’s verdict, the popular video game series Hitman has removed McGregor’s character from its content. McGregor had been included as a downloadable character earlier this year, but following the legal outcome, the add-on will no longer be available for new users. Those who had already purchased the content will still be able to play with McGregor’s character.
Public and Legal Reactions to the Verdict
While McGregor plans to appeal, he faced public backlash in Dublin following the jury’s decision. Crowds gathered to show support for Hand and to criticize the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for not pursuing a criminal case against McGregor. The DPP had previously investigated Hand’s claims, but prosecutors declined to press charges, citing insufficient evidence for a conviction.
Hand, who suffered physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident, spoke publicly after the verdict, calling the trial a "nightmare" and vowing to continue fighting for justice. She added, "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 a voice and keep on fighting for justice."
Protests and Criticism of Legal System
Protests erupted in Dublin in support of Hand, with individuals questioning the DPP’s decision not to bring criminal charges against McGregor. The DPP, in response, declined to comment on specific cases, stating that reasons for not pursuing criminal charges are not typically made public in Ireland.
McGregor's legal battle is far from over, and his public image is under scrutiny following the civil trial. As he moves forward with his appeal, his personal life and professional career will likely continue to be affected by the aftermath of the trial and its consequences. Meanwhile, Hand’s advocacy for survivors of sexual assault remains a central part of the ongoing conversation surrounding the case.
