Current:Home > MyUFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game -MarketPoint
UFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game
View
Date:2025-04-17 15:10:49
Content warning: This story discusses allegations of sexual assault.
Conor McGregor is refuting sexual assault allegations following an appearance at an NBA Finals game.
In a legal letter sent to the UFC star this week and obtained by E! News June 15, McGregor was accused of forcing himself on a woman at the Kaseya Center in Miami June 9.
The document—written by Ariel Mitchell, an attorney representing McGregor's accuser—alleged that the unnamed woman was "trapped" inside the men's bathroom by security before the MMA fighter appeared, "aggressively kissed her" and tried to force her into multiple sex acts.
In response, McGregor's attorney told E! News, "The allegations are false. Mr. McGregor will not be intimidated. Mr. McGregor welcomes the investigation, which he firmly believes will show the claims against him are false." His attorney also said the claim is "no more than a shakedown."
McGregor was at the basketball game, which saw the Denver Nuggets win the series against Miami Heat, to promote a new pain-relief spray. As seen in videos shared on social media that night, the MMA fighter knocked down the Heats' mascot, Burnie, with a punch during a pre-arranged halftime sketch.
However, Mitchell alleged in the letter, McGregor then "elevated his aggressive, unprovoked, and outrageous behavior by violently sexually assaulting" his accuser after the game. Mitchell further claimed McGregor's security held the woman's purse "hostage" when she fled the scene, and that the bag was only returned to after she made "several desperate pleas."
The woman contacted law enforcement after the alleged attack, according to the letter.
On June 15, a spokesperson for the Miami Police Department confirmed to E! News that their Special Victims Unit is investigating a report filed on June 11. "This is an open investigation," the spokesperson said, "so no additional information can be released at this time."
McGregor has not been charged with a crime, though his accuser's attorney warned of possible litigation.
"We know a lengthy, public litigation would encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward," Mitchell's letter read. "This firm has been instructed to explore all reasonable settlement offers to resolve these claims before they escalate further."
UFC told NBC News in a statement that the organization "is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident."
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat and the Kaseya Center, which were issued a letter from Mitchell as well, said in a joint social media statement on June 15, "We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment."
Mike Bass, a spokesman for the NBA, issued a statement from the organization reading: "We are aware of the allegations and are working with the team to gather more information."
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.veryGood! (5)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Spicy dispute over the origins of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos winds up in court
- Brooke Shields' Twinning Moment With Daughter Grier Deserves Endless Love
- Fajitas at someone else's birthday? Why some joke 'it's the most disrespectful thing'
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- Netanyahu meets with Biden and Harris to narrow gaps on a Gaza war cease-fire deal
- Texas city strips funding for monthly art event over drag show
- Kamala Harris: A Baptist with a Jewish husband and a faith that traces back to MLK and Gandhi
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- An 11-year-old Virginia boy is charged with making swatting calls to Florida schools
Ranking
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Watch Simone Biles nail a Yurchenko double pike vault at Olympics podium training
- Small stocks are about to take over? Wall Street has heard that before.
- Brittany Aldean Slams Maren Morris’ “Pro-Woman Bulls--t” Stance Amid Feud
- Average rate on 30
- Man dies at 27 from heat exposure at a Georgia prison, lawsuit says
- Missouri lawsuits allege abuse by priests, nuns; archdiocese leader in Omaha among those accused
- 2024 Olympics: See All the Stars at the Paris Games
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Casey Kaufhold, US star women's archer, driven by appetite to follow Olympic greatness
What's next for 3-time AL MVP Mike Trout after latest injury setback?
Justice Kagan says there needs to be a way to enforce the US Supreme Court’s new ethics code
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Home goods retailer Conn's files for bankruptcy, plans to close at least 70 stores
Bill Belichick's absence from NFL coaching sidelines looms large – but maybe not for long
Alabama taps state and federal agencies to address crime in Montgomery