Former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Conor McGregor has initiated an appeal against the verdict of a civil rape case. The case, which dates back to 2024, saw Nikita Hand successfully claim damages against McGregor, with a jury finding him guilty of sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. McGregor was ordered to pay Hand over €248,000 (£206,000) in damages.

Key Developments in the Appeal

• Withdrawal of New Evidence: McGregor's legal team withdrew an application to introduce new evidence from Samantha O'Reilly and Steven Cummins, former neighbors of Hand. The proposed evidence suggested that bruising on Hand's body could have been caused by her former partner, Stephen Redmond. Hand has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "untrue and lies."

• Legal Arguments: McGregor's appeal centers on several issues from the original trial, including the wording of the question posed to the jury: "Did Conor McGregor assault Nikita Hand?" His legal team argues that the question should have specified "sexual assault," while Hand's legal team maintains that "assault" covers a wide range of actions, including rape.

• Right to Silence: Another point of contention is McGregor's use of the right to silence during police interviews. His legal team claims that the jury was allowed to draw an adverse inference from his "no comment" responses, which they argue should not have been the case.

• Judge's Charge to the Jury: McGregor is also challenging the judge's instructions to the jury during the trial, arguing that they may have influenced the verdict.

Support and Opposition

Outside the court, a group of supporters, including Irish MP Ruth Coppinger, gathered to show solidarity with Hand. Meanwhile, McGregor's legal team has faced accusations of attempting to introduce false evidence, with Hand's lawyer suggesting that McGregor should be referred for "subornation of perjury."

What’s Next?

The appeal is being heard by three judges in Ireland's Court of Appeal. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for both McGregor's career and the broader conversation around sexual assault allegations in the world of sports.

Related Cases

This case is one of several high-profile legal battles involving McGregor, who has faced numerous controversies both inside and outside the octagon. The appeal process is expected to be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as it unfolds in the coming weeks.