Conor McGregor sued by woman accusing UFC star of sexual assault in 2018

Conor McGregor is in the midst of yet another legal battle, this one filed days prior to his big rematch with Dustin Poirier.

As Conor McGregor prepares for his first bout in a year on Saturday at UFC 257, a multimillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed against the Irish star.

On Tuesday, the Irish Independent first reported that a woman and her mother are suing McGregor in a personal injury lawsuit. Claims were filed Monday, with a McGregor associate being listed as a co-defendant.

The newspaper added that McGregor “has denied any wrongdoing” and stated the matter was previously the subject of an extensive investigation by An Garda Siochana.

Later Tuesday, the New York Times, which obtained the statement of claim in the suit, released details, which revolve around an allegation of rape from an alleged incident at a hotel in December 2018, which had been previously reported.

According to the Times, McGregor grew up in the same area and had previous social interactions with the woman, who remains unidentified. The interactions between McGregor and the woman reignited when the two exchanged “flirtatious” messages on Instagram on Dec. 9, 2018, according to the Times. Shortly thereafter, McGregor’s driver picked her up to go to the hotel for what she thought was a party.

According to the Times, cocaine was made available on the drive, and the woman took some. When she arrived in the hotel penthouse, McGregor called her into the bedroom and repeatedly demanded she perform a “lewd” act against her will. McGregor kissed the woman and removed her clothes despite her fighting back. The woman “bit and hit” McGregor, who wrapped his arms around her neck and lifted her three times.

According to the Times, McGregor then said, “That’s how I felt in the octagon, I had to tap myself out three times, that’s how I felt.” Then he allegedly raped her and made her stay in bed. The woman woke up that evening and was given a drink by McGregor’s friend.

According to the Times, she has no recollection of what happened after that, except for a taxi ride later that day. Police later told the woman that McGregor’s friend claimed to have had sex with her, but she had no recollection of it and didn’t consent, according to her statement.

When she got home, the woman’s mother called an ambulance, according to the Times. She was taken to a hospital and examined by a sexual assault unit. Bruising was found on her body, as well as abrasions on her face, neck, and right breast.

One month later, the woman notified police she had been allegedly raped.

The woman, who cites having psychological and emotional problems caused by the alleged rape, has been unable to work since May 2019 and is seeking damages of $1.79-$2.13 million for lost wages (past and future), a change of homes, and medical expenses.

In a statement, McGregor spokesperson Karen J. Kessler denied the allegations and told the Independent the following:

“After an exhaustive investigation conducted by the Gardaí which, in addition to interviews of the plaintiff, included interviewing numerous sources, obtaining witnesses’ statements, examining closed circuit footage and the cooperation of Conor McGregor, these allegations were categorically rejected. The plaintiff knows the facts contradict the assertions in this lawsuit. Mr. McGregor will dispute any claims and is confident that justice will prevail.”

The woman and her mother are represented by Coleman Legal Partners and are looking for separate trials, according to the Independent.

“Proceedings have been served. We can make no further comment as the matter is before the courts,” Dave Coleman, of Coleman Legal Partners, told the Independent.

Should the case reach trial, it will be held before a jury. Irish civil cases are judged by the standard of “is this more than likely to have happened or not?” In criminal cases, there must be proof beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Times.

Over the past several years McGregor has found himself in hot water for a number of indiscretions outside the octagon. In April 2018, he was arrested after throwing a dolly through a bus window that carried various UFC fighters. Several people were injured.

In March 2019, McGregor was arrested for grabbing, stomping, and stealing a fan’s phone in Miami. Less than one month after that arrest, McGregor was caught on video assaulting a patron at a pub in Dublin.

In mid-October, the Times reported a second sexual assault allegation against McGregor from a different accuser.

In September 2020, McGregor was arrested in France on allegations of sexual assault and indecent exposure. McGregor was interviewed and released by officials, and his team subsequently issued a statement and vehemently denied all wrongdoing.

None of the sexual assault cases resulted in criminal charges against McGregor.