Irish legal panel determines McGregor accountable for sexual misconduct
A tribunal sided with a female who alleged UFC sensation Conor McGregor of engaging in sexual misconduct towards her in a hotel suite in December 2018.
The Supreme Court in Dublin mandated McGregor to compensate the accuser 248,000 euros, equivalent to about $257,000.
A civil panel in Ireland established that MMA fighter Conor McGregor sexually abused a female in a hotel top-floor suite following an evening of substantial revelry. McGregor had refuted the accusations. Brian Lawless/PA via AP
The jury had considered the case since Thursday. McGregor, who refuted the allegations and claimed he engaged in consensual intercourse with the complainant, is not presently under investigation for any criminal offenses related to the incident.
As per Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, the individual informed the High Court that she encountered McGregor at a Christmas gathering in Dublin. She alleged that the ex-two division UFC titleholder compelled her onto a bed, strangled her, and instilled a sense of mortal dread within her. A medical professional who provided medical care for the woman's injuries the following day testified in court that he had never witnessed such severe bruising on a patient, as reported by BBC News.
The woman's legal representative, John Gordon, acknowledged that she did not portray herself as flawless and had intended to have a pleasurable evening that unfortunately spiraled into a distressing experience. Gordon stated that McGregor was upset over a bout he had been defeated in Las Vegas eight weeks prior and directed his frustration towards his customer.
"He is not a gentleman, he is a bully," Gordon informed the panel. "A deceitful coward and you should perceive him for what he truly is. "
The woman had to take several pauses in her heartfelt testimony as she mentioned McGregor's threat to end her life during the altercation.
McGregor applied a stranglehold on her multiple times and later remarked, "Now you understand my position in the Octagon where I conceded defeat three times," in relation to a UFC match where he acknowledged defeat, she recounted.
She expressed her fear of death and the thought of never seeing her daughter again.
"He released me and I distinctly recall expressing my remorse, feeling as though I had erred and wanting to assure him that I would remain silent so as not to provoke him further," she recounted. She stated that she subsequently allowed him to proceed as he pleased, resulting in sexual assault. Law enforcement looked into the woman's report, however, legal authorities decided against filing charges, citing a lack of evidence and low likelihood of a successful prosecution.
McGregor stated that the two engaged in athletic and energetic sexual activity, but clarified that it was not aggressive. He stated, "She never refused or ceased," and affirmed that all her statements were false.
"It is a blatant falsehood among numerous falsehoods," he remarked in response to the accusation of using a chokehold. "How could anyone think that I, as a person with pride, would accentuate my flaws. "
McGregor's attorney informed the jury that they needed to put aside their hostility towards the fighter.
"You might have a strong aversion to him, some of you may even detest him -- there is no use denying that the circumstances could be different," lawyer Remy Farrell stated. "I'm not requesting you to include him in Sunday brunch. "
Ultimately, the panel of eight females and four males decided against his account of the incident.
McGregor issued a statement indicating he plans to pursue an appeal.