Editor-DN
Nikita Hand, the woman who accused mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Conor McGregor of sexual assault, has won the case. On Friday, an Irish civil court jury awarded him $257,000 (Rs 2.17 crore). The court was told McGregor allegedly “brutally raped and beat her” in December 2018 but the Irish sports star claimed they had consensual sex. The woman said that the attack happened after a night of partying. McGregor, the 36-year-old Irish MMA star, shook his head as the jury returned its verdict.
Who is Nikita Hand?
The 35-year-old lives in Dublin and worked as a hairdresser before the incident. According to the BBC. Hand told the court she has been unable to work since because of her mental health.
She told the court the attack also affected her relationship, which ended months after McGregor took her to a south Dublin hotel penthouse where drugs and alcohol were consumed.
Hand has had to move out of his home in Drumnagh and is now in arrears on the mortgage, the BBC report added.
The court heard that he spent more than 4,000 euros (Rs 3.51 lakh) on general physician, pharmacy and psychotherapy expenses.
A report in The Irish Times He said Hand had to move out of his house in June after a group of men in balaclavas broke into his house and stabbed his partner to death.
Reaction after decision
Speaking after the verdict, Hand told reporters: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how scared you are: speak up, you have a voice and keep fighting for justice.”
He thanked his family, including his daughter Freya.
“He has given me the strength and courage to continue to push for justice over the last six years during this nightmare,” Hand said.
“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that if something happens to you, you can stand up for yourself – no matter who that person is – and justice will be done,” she added.
McGregor to file an appeal
In a statement to X, McGregor said he plans to appeal.
“I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. I am now with my family, focusing on my future,” he said.
“Thank you for all my support around the world,” he added.
McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts circuit, previously holding the featherweight and lightweight titles.
