Conor McGregor asserts consensual sex in civil damages claim

Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor stated in court that sexual activity he had with a woman accusing him of rape was consensual. Nikita Hand is pursuing civil damages against Mr. McGregor and another man, alleging she was sexually assaulted in December 2018. Ms. Hand has accused Mr. McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel bedroom in Dublin. The court was also informed on Wednesday that DNA samples matching Mr. McGregor’s profile were found on Ms. Hand’s body and underwear. Dr. Charlotte Murphy testified that she analyzed DNA swabs collected from Ms. Hand’s body and clothing after the alleged assault. Analysis of semen stains on the playsuit and underwear revealed profiles consistent with Mr. McGregor’s. During cross-examination, Dr. Murphy clarified that the presence or absence of semen does not indicate consent. James Lawrence, the second defendant, from Rafters Road in Drimnagh, Dublin, was excluded as a contributor to any of the DNA profiles. Dr. Murphy additionally noted that both straps of the playsuit Ms. Hand was wearing were torn. John McMahon, co-owner of the Dublin hairdressing salon where Ms. Hand was employed, stated that she returned to work following the incident but experienced difficulties and resigned in May 2019. Vocational assessor Elva Breen testified that subsequent to the incident, Ms. Hand encountered considerable challenges in customer-facing employment and was grappling with substantial anxiety and panic attacks. The presentation of Ms. Hand’s case has now concluded. Taking the stand on Wednesday, Conor McGregor accused Ms. Hand of fabricating her account. “She didn’t get her bruises from me, as far as I’m aware,” Mr. McGregor stated. Conor McGregor testified that Ms. Hand performed oral sex on him and described the sexual encounter as enthusiastic and athletic. He further stated that Ms. Hand did not appear distressed or upset when he departed. Danielle Kealey, summoned to provide testimony on behalf of Mr. McGregor, was present on the evening of the alleged rape. She mentioned that she did not know Ms. Hand intimately, as they were employed at separate salons. Ms. Kealey informed the court that Mr. McGregor collected them from the salon, and after picking up Mr. Lawrence, they proceeded to the Beacon Hotel. She stated that she was aware Ms. Hand and Mr. McGregor entered the bedroom but was unaware of the activities within. She added that they “came back out and everything was fine”. When questioned if anyone appeared upset, she responded negatively. Mr. McGregor is scheduled to return to the witness stand on Thursday as the proceedings continue. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.