'I can't go back' - Conor McGregor in new statement after losing civil rape case

Conor McGregor has issued another statement on social media in the wake of the civil rape case he lost last week.

Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a High Court civil case last week.

The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was €248,603.60. McGregor has always denied the claims made against him and has once again vowed to appeal the decision.

In a post on X, he said: "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.

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"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!"

Nikita Hand won praise last week for having the courage to take the case against such a high-profile individual. 

Speaking outside court, Ms Hand said: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be – speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.

“I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter’s, my family and friends tremendously.

“It’s something that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

“Now that justice has been served, I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family and friends and daughter.”

Asked if she felt vindicated following the jury’s decision, she said: “Yes, I do. Thank you.”

Mr McGregor had faced an accusation that he “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018.

The Irish sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel.

Ms Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, lost her case against another man, James Lawrence, who she accused of assaulting her by allegedly having sex without her consent at the same hotel.

Following eight days of evidence and three days listening to closing speeches and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before returning with its verdict.

Mr McGregor shook his head after the jury read out that Ms Hand had won her case against him.

Mr McGregor was accompanied by his family, including his partner Dee Devlin, parents, sister and brother-in-law.

He sat in the back row of the court between his partner and mother Margaret.

Ms Hand, 35, cried and was hugged by her partner and supporters.

A number of police were in the courtroom as the verdict was delivered.

Ms Hand thanked her partner and family for their support.

She said: “I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive for the last four years and has held my hand throughout this trial every day and every other day.

“I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends.

“Lastly, I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I’m most grateful for.

“She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice.

“I want to show Freya 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.”