Jury Rules Conor McGregor Found Liable in Rape and Sexual Assault Trial

• Conor McGregor was found responsible for a 2018 sexual assault in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday.
• MMA fighter ordered to pay victim around 250,000 euros
• McGregor said in a post about X after the hearing that he would appeal the decision

MMA fighter Conor McGregor He was found liable in a civil rape and sexual assault case heard in an Irish court on Friday, according to multiple reports.

A lawsuit was filed against the 36-year-old athlete civil lawsuit In 2021, it was alleged that McGregor “brutally” raped and beat a woman named Nikita Hand while drunk in December 2018, after inviting her to join him and a friend at a company holiday party in Dublin.

The civil jury found that McGregor was responsible for sexually assaulting Hand and awarded him damages totaling approximately €250,000. Associated Press And Guard.

Hand’s lawyers claimed that the woman suffered from bruises and post-traumatic stress disorder after the attack. He also accused McGregor’s friend James Lawrence of assaulting him on the night in question, but found that Lawrence had not assaulted him. Guard.

Following the verdict, McGregor bowed to reporters and declined to comment as he left the courthouse.

Meanwhile, Hand spoke to reporters outside the Dublin courthouse and told them he was “very impressed” with the support he had received throughout the process. Guard report.

“To all victims of sexual assault, I hope my story tells you that no matter how scared you are, speak up, raise your voice and continue to fight for justice,” Hand told the media after the hearing.

Hand also thanked his daughter on Friday. Hand said his daughter “gave him so much strength and courage throughout this nightmare over the last six years,” according to the AP.

“I want to show her and all the other boys and girls that if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, you can defend yourself and justice will be served,” Hand added.

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McGregor spoke to post After leaving the courthouse, he said he was “disappointed” in X (formerly Twitter) and planned to appeal the decision.

“I will appeal today’s decision,” McGregor wrote. “The judge’s instructions and the modest award awarded were for assault, not aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence the DPP reviewed. I am now with my family and focused on my future. Thank you all for all your support around the world.”

PEOPLE has reached out to a representative for McGregor for comment.

Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, released a statement. Irish Mirror On Friday after the hearing, he called the verdict “very positive” and “a sign of faith in survivors across the country.”

“In the face of great adversity, Nikita Hand retained a strong belief that the truth must be told and accepted in court,” Morrogh said in a statement. he said. “Today’s verdict will be met with relief by many survivors of sexual violence who have watched and listened closely to the narrative inside and outside the courtroom.”

McGregor faces multiple sexual assault accusations in addition to Hand’s allegations. A woman in 2022 She claimed in a lawsuit that McGregor punched her and threatened to choke her They were celebrating his birthday on the boat in Ibiza. He denied the accusations, the case is still ongoing.

McGregor accused of sexual assault again in 2023 When a woman claims she was “violently” forced to perform oral sex in the restroom of Miami’s Kaseya Center after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. However, prosecutors said they would not pursue the case due to “lack of evidence.” ESPN reported.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to: rainn.org.