Conor McGregor ordered to pay woman $360K in civil rape case

globalnews.ca:

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Conor McGregor, former UFC champion and one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts fighting, has been ordered to pay more than 250,000 Euros (approximately C$360,000) to a woman who accused him of raping her at a hotel in Dublin in 2018.

McGregor, whose civil case played out in Ireland’s high court, must hand over the funds damages to Nikita Hand, who also goes by Nikita Ní Laimhín.

Hand previously said McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on Dec. 9, 2018. The assault happened after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, she said.

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. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger.

Speaking outside the court after the two-week trial, Hand thanked her family and a member of the rape crisis centre, who sat at her side during the course of the trial, reports The Guardian.

Referring to her daughter, she said: “I want to show Freya 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.

“To all the victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice, and keep on fighting for justice.”

McGregor was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.”

I will be appealing today's decision. The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for