December 05, (THEWILL) – Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has been instructed by a Dublin court to cover the entire legal expenses of a civil case concerning a rape allegation. Justice Alexander Owens ruled that McGregor must pay the estimated €1.5 million in legal costs following the 12-day trial.
In November 2023, a jury at Dublin’s High Court awarded damages of €248,603 to Nikita Hand, who successfully pursued a civil action against McGregor.
The court heard allegations that McGregor “brutally raped and battered” Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, though McGregor maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual.
The legal proceedings concluded with the jury finding in Hand’s favour regarding her accusation against McGregor. However, it was noted that Hand simultaneously lost an assault lawsuit against a second individual not involved in this specific case.
McGregor, a prominent figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has previously held featherweight and lightweight titles.
The high-profile athlete has publicly stated his intention to appeal the civil case verdict through a statement posted on social media platform X.
Following the court’s decision, McGregor continues to face the legal and professional implications of the case. The fighter’s future in mixed martial arts and his broader public profile remain subjects of considerable speculation and interest.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
