Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor denied allegations of sexual assault in a Dublin court on Wednesday, claiming the civil case against him and another man was “full of lies.” The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleges McGregor assaulted her in December 2018, alongside another man, James Lawrence. McGregor’s testimony came on the sixth day of the trial.
McGregor Denies Assault, Calls Plaintiff’s Account “Lies”
McGregor, 36, strongly rejected the accusations, telling the court that he had “fully consensual sex” with Hand and that he did not force anyone to engage in sexual activity against their will. He further denied claims made by Hand’s lawyer that he had placed her in an arm lock or caused any bruising to her. “Your client is full of lies. Everything is a lie,” McGregor said in response to questioning.
Alleged Assault Details and Medical Evidence
Hand’s lawyer, John Gordon, has presented testimony claiming that McGregor pressed down so forcefully on Hand’s watch during the encounter that a visible mark remained on her skin for several days. Gordon also revealed that after Hand sought medical attention at a sexual assault treatment unit the day after the alleged assault, a doctor was so concerned by her injuries that they instructed photographs to be taken.
Hand’s Account of the Incident
Hand, who knew McGregor through prior contact, testified that she and a friend made contact with the fighter after attending a work Christmas party. She said McGregor drove them to a party at a penthouse in a south Dublin hotel, where drugs and alcohol were consumed. Hand claims that McGregor took her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her. Gordon also noted that Hand had been on antidepressants and was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the alleged incident.
Trial Proceedings and Jury
The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, is being heard by a jury of eight women and four men. Judge instructions included a reminder to the jury to carefully consider all the evidence presented before making any conclusions.
This case marks the first time McGregor, a former UFC champion, has publicly testified in the ongoing civil trial.
