Conor McGregor breaks silence & vows to appeal after jury finds MMA fighter DID sexually assault woman in hotel
CONOR McGregor has insisted he will appeal a civil court jury's verdict that he did sexually assault a woman in a Dublin hotel room.
Nikita Hand accused the Irish mixed martial arts fighter, 36, of "brutally raping and battering" her after a Christmas night out in December 2018.
The Irish sports star - who arrived in court hand in hand with his partner Dee Devlin - claimed he had consensual sex with Ms Hand at the Beacon Hotel.
But today a jury in the civil case against McGregor decided he did sexually assault Ms Hand.
He had been ordered to pay her nearly 250,000 euros (£207k).
Breaking his silence, McGregor said on X: "I will be appealing today's decision.
"The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.
"I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed.
"I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide."
McGregor shook his head as the jury - who spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating - revealed Ms Hand had won her case against him.
Ms Hand, 35, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, said the assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Her voice trembled as she said a statement to the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life.
She thanked her family, partner, friends and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter.