DUBLIN – In a landmark ruling with profound implications for sexual assault survivors, Ireland’s Court of Appeal today dismissed Conor McGregor’s appeal “in its entirety,” upholding a jury’s finding that the MMA star raped Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in 2018. The decision mandates McGregor to pay Hand nearly €250,000 (£215,000) in damages and approximately €1.3 million (£1.1 million) in legal costs.
Court Delivers Final Blow to McGregor’s Legal Challenge
Three senior judges – Ms. Justice Isobel Kennedy, Mr. Justice Brian O’Moore, and Mr. Justice Patrick MacGrath – delivered a scathing rejection of all five grounds McGregor’s legal team presented. The former UFC champion, absent from court, had contested a November 2024 High Court jury verdict finding him civilly liable for assaulting Hand at the Beacon Hotel penthouse on December 9, 2018.
- “Gossamer-Thin” Arguments: Justice O’Moore dismantled McGregor’s core arguments. The claim that jurors could have been confused by the trial’s “issue paper” asking if McGregor “assaulted” Hand instead of “sexually assaulted” her was deemed “simply unreal.” The judge emphasized the trial judge had framed the central allegation—rape—with brutal clarity.
- “No Comment” Controversy: The court rejected claims that revealing McGregor gave approximately 100 “no comment” answers to Irish police (Gardaí) prejudiced his right to a fair trial. Judges found the jury received “an unimpeachable exposition” on the legal irrelevance of these responses for proving guilt.
- Mysterious Evidence Withdrawal: The judges expressed strong disapproval over McGregor’s last-minute withdrawal of “fresh evidence” – affidavits from Hand’s former neighbors claiming her bruises stemmed from a domestic dispute. Described as “somewhat mysterious” and meeting the court’s “displeasure and disapproval,” this move led to additional costs for Hand and a referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over potential perjury.
Nikita Hand: “Today I Can Finally Move On”
Emerging from the Four Courts surrounded by supporters, a composed but emotional Nikita Hand addressed the media:
“I want to begin by thanking my legal team, the Rape Crisis Centre, and the three judges who delivered the decision today. I’m also deeply grateful for everyone who supported me, believed in me, and stood by my side throughout this long and painful journey.
“This appeal has retraumatised me over and over again. Being forced to relive it, what happened has had a huge impact on me.
“To every survivor out there, I know how hard it is – but please, don’t be silenced. You deserve to be heard. You also deserve justice. Today I can finally move on and try to heal.”
When asked if she had a message for McGregor, Hand simply replied, “No thank you.”
Watch her full statement:
Co-Defendant Also Loses Costs Appeal
In a linked ruling, McGregor’s friend, James Lawrence, lost his appeal seeking legal costs from Hand. Although the jury cleared Lawrence of assault, the Court of Appeal upheld the original decision denying him costs. Critically, the court noted McGregor was paying Lawrence’s legal bills. Awarding costs to Lawrence would ultimately force Hand to fund “the man who raped her” (McGregor) or grant Lawrence an unwarranted “bounty.”
The Long Road to Justice
The case stems from a harrowing December 2018 night following a work Christmas party. Hand testified that McGregor pinned her to a bed, placed her in a chokehold, and raped her in the Beacon Hotel penthouse, leaving her with extensive bruising described by a paramedic as unusually severe 6. McGregor maintained the encounter was “fully consensual sex” and denied causing her injuries.
A High Court jury of eight women and four men deliberated for just over six hours in November 2024 before finding McGregor liable and awarding Hand damages for her physical injuries, psychological trauma, loss of income, and medical expenses.
Implications and Fallout
- Financial Burden: McGregor now faces a total financial penalty exceeding €1.55 million (damages + trial costs + appeal costs).
- Reputational Damage: The emphatic dismissal of his appeal delivers a severe blow to McGregor’s public image, potentially impacting his political aspirations in Ireland.
- Broader Significance: Hand’s persistence through a six-year legal battle, including a retraumatizing appeal, stands as a powerful symbol for sexual assault survivors globally. Her message underscores the immense personal cost of seeking justice against powerful figures.
Key Case Timeline
- Dec 9, 2018: Alleged assault at Beacon Hotel, Dublin.
- Nov 2024: High Court jury finds McGregor liable, awards Hand €248,603.60.
- July 1, 2025: McGregor withdraws “fresh evidence” appeal ground mysteriously.
- July 31, 2025: Court of Appeal dismisses all appeal grounds.
McGregor’s Appeal Grounds Dismissed
| Appeal Ground | Court’s Finding |
|---|---|
| Wording of “Assault” on Issue Paper | “Simply unreal” jurors were confused |
| Admission of “No Comment” Police Answers | No unfair trial risk; jury properly instructed |
| Judge’s Charge to Jury | Errors not proven; trial fair |
| Ability to Cross-Examine | Described as “gossamer-thin” |
| “Catch-All” Challenges | Dismissed comprehensively |