McGregor Admits Cocaine Use on Night of Alleged Sexual Assault
Conor McGregor, the renowned Irish MMA fighter, admitted in court on Thursday that he had used cocaine on the night a Dublin woman alleges he sexually assaulted her. During the hearing, McGregor confirmed he had cocaine in his car when he was with the alleged victim, Nikita Hand, and a witness. This admission comes as McGregor faces a civil case in Dublin’s High Court, with Hand seeking damages for the alleged attack.
The case stems from an incident on a night out in December 2018. Hand claims McGregor sexually assaulted her after putting her in a chokehold multiple times. McGregor has denied all allegations, insisting that any interactions with Hand were consensual.
In court, it was revealed that McGregor had provided minimal responses during his first police interview in January 2019. With his lawyer present, he declined to answer more than 100 questions, stating he followed legal advice due to his “shock and fear.” When questioned about his brief, prepared statement, McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” and explained he relied on his lawyer’s guidance, noting that this was his first encounter with such serious accusations.
McGregor asserted his innocence, reiterating that his interactions with Hand were consensual and that he wanted to “speak his truth.” He described her behavior as “elated and excited,” rejecting any suggestions she displayed fear or distress.
Hand testified to sustaining physical injuries during the alleged assault. According to medical testimony presented in court, a paramedic noted significant bruising on Hand’s body following the alleged incident. Additionally, it was reported that a tampon had to be removed with forceps, which Hand claims was due to the assault.
McGregor’s co-defendant, James Lawrence, testified that he, too, engaged in consensual relations with Hand after McGregor left the room. Lawrence stated that she initiated contact and was only concerned about a small bruise and what she would tell her boyfriend. Hand, however, claims she has no recollection of any encounter with Lawrence, stating she only remembers confiding in him about the alleged assault.
The case, while civil rather than criminal, has attracted significant public attention, as neither the complainant nor the accused are granted anonymity under Ireland’s legal system. Hand is pursuing financial compensation for the trauma she claims to have suffered. The trial continues, with both sides firmly holding to their accounts.
