Conor McGregor Ordered to Pay Over €1 Million in Court Costs After Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Conor McGregor Faces Financial Nightmare: Court Orders UFC Star to Pay Million-Dollar Legal Costs After Sexual Assault Lawsuit: Is His Empire Crumbling?

Conor McGregor Ordered to Pay Accuser’s Court Costs Following Sexual Assault Civil Case

Conor McGregor has been ordered to cover the court costs in a civil lawsuit filed against him by Nikita Hand, a woman who accused the UFC star of sexual assault. The ruling was issued on Thursday by Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, following a jury finding McGregor liable for the assault that allegedly took place in 2018 at a Dublin hotel. The legal costs, which could total up to €1 million (around $1.05 million USD), are an additional financial burden on McGregor, who was already required to pay damages amounting to €248,603.60 (approximately $258,440 USD).

Legal Battle and Court Costs

The court decision comes after an 11-day trial where McGregor was found liable in the case. McGregor’s attorneys had contested the allegations, claiming the encounter with Hand was consensual, but the jury ultimately sided with Hand. Despite the ruling, the judge rejected Hand’s attorneys’ request to have the legal costs awarded at the highest possible rate, referred to as “solicitor and client basis.”

In addition, James Lawrence, who was tried alongside McGregor but found not liable for sexual assault, was denied permission to pursue legal costs against Hand. The judge’s ruling has put further financial strain on McGregor, who is facing significant repercussions as a result of the verdict.

Outbursts on Social Media and Potential Contempt of Court

McGregor’s behavior following the trial has also drawn the attention of the court. The fighter took to social media, issuing several posts attacking the verdict and hinting at plans to appeal the decision. Judge Owens addressed McGregor’s outbursts, calling them “highly irresponsible.” Owens even threatened to charge McGregor with contempt of court, pointing out that the fighter’s wealth could cover any penalties from such a charge. McGregor’s social media activity continues to cause complications, and the court has yet to decide on further action.

The Allegations and McGregor’s Defense

The lawsuit centered around accusations made by Nikita Hand, who claimed that McGregor raped and assaulted her in 2018. During the trial, McGregor and his legal team argued that the encounter was consensual, describing it as “athletic” and “physical.” McGregor’s defense team insisted that all witnesses supported the claim of consent.

After the trial, McGregor expressed regret for his actions, particularly his infidelity to his fiancée, Dee Devlin, but denied the assault. He admitted mistakes but maintained that the events of that night were consensual. McGregor also confirmed plans to appeal the court’s decision, indicating that the legal battle was far from over.

Fallout for McGregor’s Business and Partnerships

Since the conclusion of the trial, McGregor’s personal and professional life has been in turmoil. Several of his business partners have severed ties with him, including the whiskey brand Proper No. 12. After the trial, Proximo Spirits, which owns Proper No. 12, announced that McGregor would no longer be associated with the brand. The company clarified that McGregor no longer held any ownership stake in the whiskey, further isolating him from his business ventures.

This ongoing legal and personal fallout has severely impacted McGregor’s reputation and brand, and the consequences of the trial verdict are expected to reverberate in the years to come.