Conor McGregor Wax Figure Removed Following Civil Trial Verdict

The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin has taken down a wax figure depicting Conor McGregor. The museum stated that the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter’s figure was removed from public display two weeks prior, citing his ongoing civil trial case. A jury at the High Court in Dublin determined on Friday that he had assaulted Nikita Hand, specifically by raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Consequently, McGregor was mandated to compensate Ms Hand with nearly €250,000 (£206,000) in damages. In a statement, the museum communicated: “As a family-friendly attraction, we regularly review our exhibits to ensure they align with our values and the expectations of our visitors. We will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions about future displays accordingly.” A spokesperson informed Irish broadcaster RTÉ that the sculpture was considered “one of the more popular ones,” particularly among tourists. The spokesperson added, “If you look at most photos online taken by people visiting the museum, a lot would be with McGregor.” Tony McGregor, the father of the MMA fighter, originally unveiled the waxwork in August 2017. Subsequent to the civil rape case verdict, several companies have announced their intention to cease stocking products associated with Conor McGregor. The company currently owning a whiskey brand that the fighter co-founded has stated it will discontinue using his name and image for marketing purposes. A spokeswoman for Proximo Spirits confirmed it has been the “100% owner of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey since 2021.” Filthy McNasty’s, a Belfast bar situated on the Dublin Road, announced it is suspending sales of McGregor’s Forged branded stout, a product it assisted in launching in December 2023. The bar, featuring a mural on its building’s exterior promoting the brand, informed the Irish News that it is “currently awaiting” the mural’s removal. Additionally, the pub chain JD Wetherspoon has withdrawn products linked to the fighter. Earlier in the week, Tesco announced the removal of McGregor’s products from its physical and online stores. BWG Foods followed suit, stating that these products were no longer listed for distribution throughout its network of SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis, and XL stores. The Cork-based Barry Group also confirmed its decision to delist Forged Stout and Proper No Twelve from its Costcutter and Carry Out retail outlets. A spokeswoman indicated this action reflected the company’s “commitment to maintaining a retail environment that resonates with the values of our customers and partners.” Supervalu, Centra, Daybreak, and Mace, all under Musgrave’s ownership, have also ceased stocking products associated with the mixed martial arts fighter. The Irish airport operator DAA reported that the whiskey was taken off sale at both Dublin and Cork airports during the weekend. On Monday evening, several hundred individuals participated in a march in Dublin to show support for Ms Hand. The demonstrators proceeded from Dublin City Hall to the office of the Irish director of public prosecutions (DPP), aiming to voice their concern regarding what they perceive as a failure to pursue a criminal case against McGregor. A criminal case necessitates a higher legal threshold compared to a civil case, as the burden of proof in a criminal proceeding is “beyond reasonable doubt.” The DPP informed Ms Hand in 2020 that there was “insufficient evidence” to initiate a criminal case and no reasonable prospect of a conviction. Ms Hand requested the DPP to re-examine the decision, stating her belief that she was being treated differently due to the fame of one of the suspects. When questioned about the DPP’s choice not to prosecute, outgoing Irish justice minister Helen McEntee commented over the weekend: “We have a very independent system in this country, and I think that’s right. I really think it’s important that we respect that independence.”