Conor McGregor dropped by two companies after rape case verdict

A woman who accused the MMA star of raping her six years ago has won her civil claim against him

Alex Pattle
Combat Sports Correspondent
Thursday 28 November 2024 09:41 GMT
Nikita Hand supporters march through Dublin after Conor McGregor case verdict

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Conor McGregor has been dropped as the face of Proper No. Twelve whiskey and from the Hitman video game, after being ordered to pay almost €250,000 to a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, who accused the former UFC champion of raping her in a Dublin hotel six years ago, won her claim against McGregor this week – for damages in a High Court civil case.

McGregor, who had denied a claim that he “brutally raped and battered” her, said he would appeal against the verdict.

Now, Proximo Spirits – which owns the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand – has told the Irish Independent: “Going forward, we do not plan to use Mr McGregor’s name and likeness in the marketing of the brand.”

Meanwhile, video-game company IO Interactive has removed McGregor as a character in Hitman: World Of Assassination.

“In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately,” the company wrote on X.

“We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts.”

It is unclear whether McGregor’s relationship with the UFC will be affected by this week’s court ruling. However, numerous athletes have continued fighting for the company after enduring legal issues.

Conor McGregor outside the High Court in Dublin with his fiancee Dee Devlin
Conor McGregor outside the High Court in Dublin with his fiancee Dee Devlin (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

McGregor, 36, has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a second straight loss to Dustin Poirier. Six months earlier, Poirier knocked out the Irishman.

McGregor was due to fight Michael Chandler in 2023, but the bout was delayed until this June. Then, McGregor suffered a broken toe, postponing the fight indefinitely.

Chandler has since fought a different opponent, losing to Charles Oliveira this month, but is eyeing a clash with McGregor in 2025.

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