Conor McGregor released his first statement several days after a civil jury in Ireland found him responsible for a 2018 sexual assault.
McGregor did not speak with reporters after leaving the High Court in Dublin late last week after the jury awarded approximately 250,000 Euros ($363,000) to a woman who testified the UFC star “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse on Dec. 9, 2018 after a night of partying.
The woman said that McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter, which left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A paramedic who examined the woman the next day, testified that she witnessed intense bruising.
Police investigated the woman’s complaint, but prosecutors declined to bring criminal charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely.
McGregor, 36, testified he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and accused her of fabricating the allegations after the two had consensual sex.
The former two-weight UFC champion released the following statement Monday evening:
“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.
“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!”
McGregor has not fought since a 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier during which McGregor broke his leg. He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 but a broken toe caused McGregor to withdraw and it is unclear if or when he will next compete in the UFC.
The organization has not commented on the decision of the civil jury.
— With files from Associated Press