The woman who previously secured a victory in a civil lawsuit against high-profile fighter Conor McGregor is now pursuing additional legal claims against him and two others, alleging misuse of court procedures.
Last November, McGregor was directed to pay over £200,000 in damages to Nikita Hand, who accused him of sexual assault following an incident at a Dublin hotel in 2018. The fighter recently lost an appeal challenging the court’s initial decision.
During the appeal process, McGregor initially sought to introduce new testimony from two individuals—former neighbors of Hand—before abruptly withdrawing the request. The proposed witnesses had claimed to have seen Hand in a dispute with her ex-partner around the time of the alleged assault, suggesting an alternative explanation for her injuries. However, Hand dismissed these assertions as false in a sworn statement.
Judges overseeing the appeal noted the sudden abandonment of this legal strategy as puzzling, particularly given its significance to the case. They subsequently ruled that Hand should recover legal costs tied to this aspect of the proceedings.
Now, Hand’s legal team has initiated further action, seeking damages from McGregor and the two witnesses for what they describe as malicious abuse of the judicial process.
Speaking after the appeal’s dismissal, Hand expressed relief but acknowledged the emotional toll of the prolonged legal battle. “This process forced me to relive a deeply painful experience,” she said. “To anyone who has endured something similar, I want you to know your voice matters. Justice is possible.”
McGregor’s unsuccessful appeal centered on procedural objections, including the phrasing of a key question presented to the jury and the handling of his police interviews, during which he largely declined to answer questions.
The case continues to draw attention as both sides navigate the legal aftermath. Meanwhile, Hand has vowed to focus on healing and moving forward.
