Conor McGregor sexual assault civil case reaches closing arguments

Lawsuit against UFC star Conor McGregor Closing arguments reached Tuesday in Dublin, where lawyers made their final presentations to the jury.

McGregor and another man, James Lawrence, face sexual assault charges in a lawsuit filed by Nikita Hand, who claimed two men had sex with her without her consent while she was drunk in December 2018.

Hand claims the incident occurred at a hotel after a long night of partying. Although criminal charges have not been fully pursued, Hand filed a civil lawsuit in early 2021.

The hearing is expected to continue on Wednesday. The judge initially told jurors to expect the trial to last about two weeks. Wednesday will be the 9th day of the hearing.

Conor McGregor completes his statement

Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor appears in court as he attends a civil trial regarding sexual assault allegations on November 19, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

According to multiple reports, McGregor’s time on the podium was split over two days. Irish Mirror. McGregor has denied the allegations from the beginning. a passionate verbal denial On his first day on the stand last Wednesday, McGregor called the allegations “lies” and said the situation frightened him.

On Thursday, McGregor returned to the stand and was cross-examined by El attorney John Gordon. McGregor admitted using cocaine in the hours around the alleged incident but confirmed the sex with Hand was consensual and not pre-planned, although a hotel room had been booked.

Gordon asked McGregor about the initial statement given to Irish authorities Gardaí during the investigation and why the UFC star answered “no comment” to an estimated 150 questions. McGregor followed his lawyers’ advice, saying he was “petrified”.

McGregor also denied Hand’s claim that the tampon was lodged deep during intercourse. A health care worker who previously testified testified that forceps were used to remove the tampon during a visit to a local emergency room.

McGregor admitted to paying Lawrence’s legal fees for this case; Gordon claimed this case was a coordinated effort by the two defendants to make Lawrence a “low man.”

James Lawrence testified

Co-defendant James Lawrence arrives in court as the civil case over sexual assault allegations against Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor is heard on November 19, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Last Thursday, Lawrence spoke publicly about the incident for the first time when he took the stand.

Lawrence denied using cocaine on the night of the incident and said he was not a drug user. She said she and Hand’s co-worker, Danielle Kealey, who was in the connecting room at the time of the alleged incident, had sex multiple times in one room, while she heard Hand moaning in the other room.

Lawrence added that he could see Hand on top of McGregor through an open door and that there did not appear to be any distress. Lawrence also added that Hand entered the room while he was getting close to Kealey and played a prank on the two.

Lawrence admitted to having sex with Hand twice; Hand stated that he did not remember anything about this and only learned about it as a result of an investigation by local authorities. Lawrence claims Hand initiated the intimacy by trying “14, 15 times” to make a move on her.

According to the Irish Mirror, security cameras show the pair making public displays of affection at the hotel and in the elevator. Hand claims that he was drunk during these incidents and was taken advantage of.

Lawrence said the sex with Hand was consensual and that he did not appear distressed, except for a brief audible realization that she was betraying her boyfriend. He said that he noticed the bruise on his hand, but that it was not caused by him. Lawrence said he and Hand ordered food before paying for their fare home.

During cross-examination, Lawrence confirmed that she was the person who came forward and told police about her alleged sexual relationship with Hand. This happened just days after McGregor made a statement to the police.

Closing arguments

Nikita Hand arrives in court as she attends a civil lawsuit filed against Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor regarding sexual assault allegations on November 19, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

In their closing statements, both lawyers had the opportunity to convince the jury one last time.

McGregor’s attorney, Remy Farrell, took the first step, asking the jury to make a decision based on the evidence and not their personal opinion of McGregor. Farrell repeatedly noted Hand’s vague memory of the events and echoed Kealey’s testimony that he did not notice anything irregular. Farrell also claimed that the surveillance footage contradicted his account of his interactions with Lawrence.

Then Lawrence’s lawyer, John Fitzgerald, took his final step. He noted Lawrence’s “relative obscurity” and lack of interest in being in the spotlight. Fitzgerald reiterated his denial that Lawrence was a “fall man” and also brought up Kealey and the security cameras.

Eventually, Hand’s attorney, Gordon, returned and repeated his client’s allegations that she had been forcibly raped. Gordon took statements from medical experts, including paramedic Eithne Scully; He stated after the incident that the incident with Hand in the ambulance was the worst incident he had ever experienced.

Gordon, Dr. He noted Ann Leader’s statement that Hand suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident. Gordon also talked about the bruises on El and the tampon inserted inside her vagina.

Gordon called McGregor a “liar” and said the UFC star and Lawrence teamed up to get Lawrence to take the blame.

Gordon listed the types of damages (general, special, severe and punitive) his client requested due to his inability to work due to the incident and his mental health.

In the statement of claim reported by New York Times Hand is seeking $1.79-$2.13 million in damages for lost wages (past and future), housing relocation and medical expenses in 2021.

The civil trial continues in Dublin on Wednesday.