Conor McGregor faces civil trial over alleged sexual assault

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor appeared in Dublin's high court on Tuesday as a woman accused him of sexual assault in a civil damages case.

The complainant, Nikita Ni Laimhin, alleges that McGregor and another man sexually assaulted her in 2018, seeking compensation for the trauma she says she endured.

During the trial, John Gordon, Ni Laimhin’s lawyer, detailed the alleged encounter. He claimed McGregor picked up Ni Laimhin and her friend after a night out, driving them to a penthouse in Dublin’s Beacon Hotel. He asserted that once there, McGregor assaulted Ni Laimhin despite her objections. 

McGregor’s legal team, however, denies the accusations, maintaining that any interaction was consensual and that Ni Laimhin’s claim constitutes an extortion attempt.

The court heard graphic details of the alleged assault, with Gordon showing evidence, including images of bruising on Ni Laimhin’s wrists and hands. Gordon described her as “terrified” during the encounter, which he argued went far beyond consensual activity. 

McGregor, widely known for his aggressive fighting style and public persona, allegedly drew a parallel between the encounter and a match in the Octagon, according to the testimony.

McGregor’s defence argues that Ni Laimhin, who has openly admitted to drinking and taking drugs on the night of the incident, had several chances to raise concerns or reach out for help but did not. They insist the interaction was consensual and claim she is seeking financial gain.

The high-profile case, expected to last two weeks, will ultimately rest on the jury’s interpretation of events, based on the testimonies and evidence presented. 

The case has drawn significant public attention, as McGregor, one of Ireland’s most famous athletes, faces a legal challenge that could further impact his public image and career.