UFC star Conor McGregor has been ordered to pay an estimated $1.58 million to cover legal costs incurred by Nikita Hand, who successfully pursued a civil claim accusing McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
This ruling comes two weeks after a High Court jury found the MMA fighter liable for the assault, awarding Hand $261,246.63 in damages.
The legal decision, delivered by Justice Owens, also scrutinised the conduct of McGregor and his co-accused, James Lawrence, throughout the trial, raising the possibility of further penalties for McGregor’s public statements disparaging the court and the proceedings.
Case Details and Financial Penalties
Justice Owens ruled that McGregor must bear the full costs of Hand’s litigation on a party-to-party basis, rejecting calls for the higher solicitor-client level of costs.
Owens emphasised that McGregor’s and Lawrence’s coordinated defence strategy undermined their credibility and justified his decision.
Lawrence, who was also accused in the case but ultimately not found liable, will not have his legal costs covered. Both he and Hand will bear their own costs related to the claim against him.
Despite Lawrence’s exoneration, the judge highlighted that the jury rejected much of the defence presented by McGregor and Lawrence, who were represented by the same law firm and whose accounts were closely aligned.
There was thinking that Nikita Hand may have to pay James Lawrence’s legal bills. Fear was that would entirely wipe out any of the money she was awarded by the jury who found against Conor McGregor.
But today the Judge has ruled in her favour. McGregor is paying the bill.
— Paul Healy (@Healyhack) December 5, 2024
McGregor’s Social Media Fallout
In the aftermath of the jury’s decision, McGregor took to social media to label the court a “kangaroo court.”
Justice Owens called the UFC fighter’s comments “highly irresponsible” and indicated he may take further action, including holding the fighter in contempt of court.
Owens stated he would decide on this matter in the coming weeks, suggesting McGregor’s wealth could accommodate a substantial fine if necessary.
Hand’s legal team urged the court to penalise McGregor for his conduct during and after the trial, arguing that his remarks undermined the legal process and disrespected the jury.
They also accused the 36-year-old of using “vitriol as a weapon” against Hand during cross-examination – behaviour they deemed unacceptable in a court of law.
Public and Commercial Backlash
The jury’s ruling has led to significant fallout for McGregor beyond the courtroom.
Cliona Saidlear, executive director of Rape Crisis Centre Ireland, called for a boycott of McGregor’s business ventures, including his popular Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland are calling for the Boycott of Conor McGregor’s brand after he was found guilty of rape.
Early 2024,the Advertising Standards Authority (ASAI) upheld a complaint that Conor’s whiskey brand breached advertising rules on sexualised content.… pic.twitter.com/xWtdZoLQdg
— DOZA🧐 (@lil_doza) November 24, 2024
The brand has since announced it will no longer use McGregor’s likeness in its marketing.
Major retailers in Ireland and the UK have also distanced themselves from the Irishman, pulling his products from shelves.
Meanwhile, a solidarity march in support of Hand took place on November 26 in Dublin, drawing significant attention to the case.
McGregor’s UFC Career in Jeopardy
McGregor, now 36, has not competed in the UFC since suffering a broken leg during a July 2021 bout against Dustin Poirier.
Dustin Poirier beat Conor McGregor in the first round after a doctor stoppage. #UFC264 pic.twitter.com/L9yxVfEvYw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2021
While the UFC has not commented on the sexual assault case, the organisation and its sponsors may face mounting pressure to address the allegations and the court’s findings.
This latest chapter in McGregor’s troubled personal life adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the Irish fighter, whose legal troubles and outbursts have frequently overshadowed his sporting achievements.
