Conor McGregor Ordered to Pay Legal Fees in Sexual Assault Case

Conor McGregor’s legal troubles are far from over. Following a jury’s decision finding him liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand during a 2018 incident, McGregor now faces the additional financial burden of covering Hand’s legal fees.

The verdict, which awarded Hand approximately $250,000 in damages, came after allegations that McGregor and co-defendant James Lawrence assaulted her at a Dublin hotel. While Lawrence was cleared of liability, Hand’s legal team claimed McGregor attempted to shift blame onto his friend. Now, according to RTE, a judge has ruled McGregor responsible for Hand’s legal costs in her case against him, though she must cover her own fees related to Lawrence’s defense.

Adding another layer of complexity, McGregor’s fiery response to the jury’s decision on social media could invite additional scrutiny. Referring to the proceedings as a “kangaroo court,” McGregor announced plans to appeal, asserting, “The modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.” He also criticized the jury for not hearing all the evidence.

Hand’s statement outside the courthouse underscored the personal toll of the case. Surrounded by family, she said, “I’m overwhelmed. … My daughter has given me the strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing for justice.”

Meanwhile, McGregor’s wife, Dee Devlin, took to Instagram to share her perspective, launching a blistering attack on Hand’s character. “Imagine a WOMAN, with her own boyfriend and child, texting provocative pictures of herself to another woman’s man with a family and child on the way,” Devlin wrote, alleging Hand engaged in inappropriate behavior. She went on to claim Hand had been on a three-day bender during the alleged assault, adding, “What sort of WOMAN are you!!! My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world.”

McGregor, who hasn’t fought since a 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, continues to remain in the spotlight for his legal battles rather than his UFC career. While UFC CEO Dana White has teased a 2025 return for McGregor, it remains unclear how this high-profile case will impact his future in combat sports.