Dublin, Ireland — UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been accused of raping a woman in a Dublin hotel, according to civil claims presented in the city’s High Court. Nikita Ni Laimhin has filed for civil damages against McGregor and another man, alleging that she was sexually assaulted in December 2018.
The court proceedings began on Tuesday, with Justice Alexander Owens informing the jury that it is alleged that both McGregor and James Lawrence “effectively raped” Ms Ni Laimhin. The alleged assault took place on December 9, 2018, after Ms Ni Laimhin had attended a Christmas party with friends.
John Gordon SC, representing Ms Ni Laimhin, stated that she had a prior acquaintance with McGregor, highlighting that they shared mutual friends and had communicated through social media. At the time of the incident, Ms Ni Laimhin lived in the Dublin suburb of Drimnagh with her partner and their seven-year-old daughter.
On the night of the alleged incident, Ms Ni Laimhin had been drinking and using cocaine. After the party, she and two friends returned to her hair salon to continue celebrating. Then, she contacted McGregor, who picked her up with her friend. McGregor was reported to have been in the backseat of the car with the two women as they were driven around Dublin by his chauffeur.
The court heard that during the ride, McGregor shared a bag of cocaine with Ms Ni Laimhin and her friend. The group eventually went to a penthouse suite at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin, where they reportedly continued drinking and socialising.
Mr Gordon described a situation where McGregor allegedly beckoned Ms Ni Laimhin into a bedroom. He claimed that she did not wish to have sexual intercourse due to being on her period, leading to an alleged assault. The prosecution claims that McGregor then physically overpowered Ms Ni Laimhin, pinning her down and using violent restraint techniques. Mr Gordon illustrated the struggle, saying, “She was nervous that she tried to push him off her, but she was completely unable to do so.” Evidence presented in court included images of Ms Ni Laimhin’s injuries, which allegedly included bruises on her wrists and a bloodied scratch on her left breast.
Mr. Gordon further alleged that McGregor threatened her during the assault, stating, “Now you know what it was like to be in the Octagon when I went down three times.” He noted that after this ordeal, Ms. Ni Laimhin had sexual relations with Mr. Lawrence but claimed to have no memory of the event.
Following the alleged assault, Ms Ni Laimhin returned home and visited her mother, who subsequently called emergency services. She was taken to a hospital, where she was reportedly in distress and shaking.
Mr Gordon argued that McGregor would claim the encounter was consensual, suggesting it was simply “rough sex.” However, he urged the jury to apply common sense when considering the evidence and asserted that McGregor’s defence would attempt to mischaracterise the violent nature of the alleged attack.
In response, McGregor and Lawrence’s defence has denied all allegations, suggesting that Ms Ni Laimhin had ample opportunity to report the incident at the time but failed to do so. They argue that she is attempting to extort money from McGregor.
Mr Gordon refuted claims that Ms Ni Laimhin was a “gold digger,” asserting her bravery in pursuing justice and the rightful compensation she sought.
The jury will determine the facts of the case based on the presented evidence. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.
