Sexual assault survivor Nikita Hand stated yesterday that she was confident in winning her civil case against MMA fighter Conor McGregor, emphasizing that she had been “telling the ‘truth from day one.'”
In an exclusive conversation with the Irish Mail on Sunday, Ms. Hand expressed that the outcome signifies her young daughter won’t have to grow up in a world where women feel compelled to “shut up and say nothing.”
When asked how she felt after the conclusion of the high-profile trial, which garnered international media coverage, she shared: “I am just exhausted, to be honest with you, I’m just really tired,” adding that she is “just trying to kind of take it day-by-day now.”
The 35-year-old hair colourist revealed she has been overwhelmed by supportive messages, including calls, texts, emails, and other communications, following the jury’s decision to award her damages against McGregor.
“I’m just very overwhelmed with the support as well, now, that I have received,” she said.
When questioned about whether she expected to win, she responded: “To win? Yeah, yes, yes. Yes, because my story is true. I always believed in my heart that I would [win].”
Speaking about the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) earlier decision not to pursue a criminal trial, she remarked: “Obviously with the DPP, that didn’t work out, but yeah, I always felt like I was gonna win because I was telling the truth from day one, you know.”
McGregor announced yesterday that he plans to appeal the verdict.
Reacting to media reports about Ms. Hand’s statement outside the court on Friday, where she declared, “justice has been served,” McGregor wrote on X: “Justice was served for James Lawrence, yes!” referring to his co-defendant, who was acquitted of assault. “Nikita Hand, vicious liar! APPEAL!”
In another post, he stated: “Falsely accused a man of rape and lost.”
Yesterday, McGregor continued to post inflammatory comments, writing: “This is not a court of hard evidence and truth. It is a kangaroo court of opinions and feelings. We are not done yet. Not by a long shot. No chance. On we fight!
“Justice and truth will prevail! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! As well as other. Congrats James! Onwards and upwards!”
James Lawrence also shared online: “She is now fully liable for all my legal fees and I will be suing [her] for damages.”
Ms. Hand declined to discuss McGregor in detail yesterday or address speculation that the DPP may reopen the criminal case if new evidence comes to light.
“Let’s just let the dust settle and let me get my bearings as I’ve just gotten the verdict and I’m very overwhelmed. It’s a lot to take in.
“The letter and emails and everything that I received, it’s so overwhelming,” she added.