Okay, so let’s talk about Conor McGregor, because wow, this story is so messy. The Irish MMA fighter was just found liable in a Dublin civil case for assaulting Nikita Hand back in 2018. A jury awarded Hand €248,603.60 in damages after what she described as a total nightmare of an experience. And let’s be real, McGregor’s fall from grace is giving major “actions have consequences” vibes.
The Verdict
The jury found that McGregor assaulted Hand in a Dublin hotel after a night of partying. Hand alleged that McGregor choked her, pinned her down, and assaulted her. The details were, like, beyond horrifying. She told the court that she went straight to the hospital, where a nurse reportedly said they had never seen someone so bruised. “I want justice not just for me, but for anyone who’s been through something like this,” Nikita said tearfully outside the court. She also called her young daughter her “strength and courage” throughout the ordeal.
McGregor’s Reaction
McGregor? Oh, he’s not taking it well. He slammed the verdict, claiming it was “unfair” and insisting, “I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence.” His fiancée, Dee Devlin, also chimed in calling Hand’s accusations “disgusting lies” and vowed to “stand by my man.” Also, according to the grapevine, Dee is really unhappy with McGregor although she puts on a brave face publicly. But, like, obviously the jury clearly didn’t buy their side of the story.
What Happened That Night?
Let’s rewind to December 2018. Hand, McGregor, and a few others were partying at a hotel after doing, um, let’s just say, more than a few drinks. Hand said McGregor became aggressive, forcing himself on her while she repeatedly told him no. Apparently he put her arm in a lock three times during the assault, and left her with extensive bruising. Afterward, she immediately went to the hospital and the medical evidence apparently backed up her claims. McGregor denied everything and even resorted to name-calling, accusing Hand of being a “gold digger.”
Sponsors Are Out
And the fallout? It’s brutal. Several of McGregor’s major sponsors have dumped him faster than you can say “notorious.” LWC Drinks dropped his whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve, and even Forged Irish Stout is distancing itself. Meanwhile, some of his fitness partnerships are hanging on.
McGregor Joins the Club of Civil Case Losers
McGregor isn’t the only high-profile guy to lose a civil case recently. Donald Trump was found liable for sexual abuse in a case brought by E. Jean Carroll and ordered to pay $5 million earlier this year. In Australia, Bruce Lehrmann lost his case related to the alleged assault of Brittany Higgins, which sparked a nationwide reckoning on sexual violence. It’s, like, a whole trend of powerful men being held accountable civilly when the criminal court system lets women down. Remember, criminal courts require “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” which is super hard when it comes to rape cases. Even if the woman is severely bruised and bleeding, men can claim the women wanted it like that. Instead, the burden of proof in a civil case is based on the balance of probabilities.
The Bigger Picture
This verdict feels like a major moment, not just for Nikita Hand but for survivors everywhere. Her message? “Speak up, no matter who the person is.” And honestly, good for her. As for McGregor, maybe he should focus less on denying the truth and more on, like, being a decent human being. Because right now? His reputation is looking as bruised as his opponents in the octagon.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
