The jury in the civil case against MMA fighter Conor McGregor, accused of raping a woman in Dublin’s Beacon Hotel in 2018, resumes deliberations today. The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleges that McGregor and his friend James Lawrence assaulted her, seeking damages under multiple categories, including aggravated and punitive damages. Both men deny the accusations, claiming the sexual encounter was consensual.
The jury of eight women and four men has been instructed to consider evidence separately for each defendant, with their first task being to determine whether McGregor assaulted Hand. If answered affirmatively, they will assess damages for her pain and suffering, as well as any additional punitive awards. Mr. Justice Alexander Owens emphasized the gravity of rape allegations, urging the jury to award substantial damages if they find the plaintiff’s claims credible.
The trial’s outcome could result in significant financial repercussions for McGregor, known for his high-profile MMA career and controversial public image.