In Dublin’s High Court, mixed martial arts icon Conor McGregor firmly denied accusations of rape while acknowledging he used cocaine on the night in question. The civil lawsuit, brought by Dublin resident Nikita Hand, centers around an incident in 2018 at the Beacon Hotel. McGregor maintains the encounter was consensual.
Under rigorous cross-examination, McGregor admitted to having cocaine in his car along with Ms. Hand and another individual, stating, “There was a small bag of cocaine present around Krystal nightclub.” He emphasized that he adhered to legal counsel by submitting a detailed written statement to authorities in 2019, explaining, “I feel I was as good, as cooperative… This is alien to me.” Calling the allegations “false,” he added, “I’m here to say my piece and my truth. These allegations are lies.”
Ms. Hand has alleged that McGregor put her in a choke hold and sexually assaulted her, seeking financial compensation for what she described as a traumatic event. She testified to significant physical trauma, including bruising and needing medical assistance to remove a tampon. In response, McGregor dismissed the accusations, saying, “Not with me,” when questioned about how the tampon became lodged.
Co-defendant James Lawrence supported McGregor’s account, asserting that Ms. Hand engaged in consensual acts with him on two occasions. He refuted claims of being a “fall guy” for McGregor, saying, “Not in a million years,” and emphasized, “I have six sisters and nieces and would not defend such actions.”
The civil case follows a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions not to press criminal charges. Both sides continue to provide conflicting testimonies as the trial advances.
