MMA Fighter Conor McGregor Found Liable for Assault and Battery
Woman Awarded $257,000 in Civil Case
A woman who claimed that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor "brutally raped and battered" her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland.
Incident Occurred in 2018
The alleged assault took place on December 9, 2018, after a night of partying. The woman stated that the incident left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
McGregor’s Testimony
McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. He claimed that she never said "no" or stopped during their encounter.
Victim’s Testimony
The woman’s voice and hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, and all the supporters who had reached out to her online, particularly her daughter. "She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice," she said. "I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served."
Defense’s Argument
The defense argued that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. "He’s not a man, he’s a coward," attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. "A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is."
Evidence Presented
A paramedic who examined the woman the next day testified that she hadn’t seen someone with that intensity of bruising. McGregor put her in a chokehold several times and later told her, "now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times," referring to an Ultimate Fighting Championship when he had to admit defeat, she said. She feared she would die and never see her daughter again.
Verdict
The jury of eight women and four men returned the verdict after deliberating for about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. McGregor was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment.
Conclusion
The court’s decision marks a significant victory for the woman, who has been seeking justice for six years. The case highlights the importance of believing and supporting survivors of sexual assault and the need for perpetrators to take responsibility for their actions.
FAQs
Q: What did Conor McGregor claim about the incident?
A: McGregor claimed that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex.
Q: What was the outcome of the case?
A: The jury awarded the woman nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) in damages.
Q: How did the woman respond to the verdict?
A: The woman thanked her family, partner, friends, and all the supporters who had reached out to her online, particularly her daughter, and expressed her desire to move on with her life.
Q: What did the defense argue?
A: The defense argued that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas and took it out on his client.
