Conor McGregor has vowed to appeal against his civil sexual assault case loss in a fresh statement, despite admitting to "mistakes". The ex-UFC champion was ruled to have assaulted Nikita Hand and was ordered to pay her £200,000 after the court judgment.
A Dublin jury found him liable for the assault which Hand claimed occurred in a hotel six years prior, granting her £200,000 in damages last Friday.
Striving to save his tarnished image, 36 year old McGregor spoke out on social media, sharing a message to his fans on Monday. In his public address, he voiced his determination to move past this chapter and get back into the UFC arena.
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He intends to challenge the jury's decision, according to his statement.
On the other side, 35 year old Hand feels that justice has prevailed and is looking ahead, with her family's support bolstering her efforts, reports the Mirror.
McGregor shared his complete perspective: "People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches."
"I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That's all on me. As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision."
"I can't go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That's it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits! ".
Before his post on Monday night, McGregor had already taken to social media for another heated outburst. In a now-removed tirade on Sunday, he criticised the judgement and promised to appeal, stating that he was eager to be "vindicated" as his friend had been.
Hand, who claims the incident has left her with severe bruising and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gratefully acknowledged the support following the verdict last Friday. She expressed, "I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from everybody. I want to thank my legal team and my three barristers, they have been amazing from start to finish."
She also appreciated those involved in her care and her case saying, "I want to thank the justice, the jury and all the witnesses. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the sexual assault unit at the Rotunda assault unit, especially my own doctor. I want to thank the rape advice centre, I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew."
In conclusion, she thanked those who offered personal support throughout the ordeal, "I want to thank the men and women who have supported me throughout this trial. For every person who reached out to me, a card, email, everything, it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, I really appreciate it so much."
"I want to thank my partner who has been so supportive for the last four years and has held my hand throughout this trial every day. I want to thank my mum and all my family and friends. I want to thank my daughter who I am most grateful for. She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years through this nightmare to keep pushing forward for justice."
"I want to show her and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served. To all the victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is a reminder that you have a voice and to keep on fighting for justice."
"I know this has impacted my life, my daughter's, my family and friends' tremendously and it is something I will never forget for the rest of my life. But now that justice has been served I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family, friends and daughter."
English (United States) ·