Current:Home > MyUFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game -MoneyBase
UFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game
View
Date:2025-04-14 18:02:03
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! (5721)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- The top prosecutor where George Floyd was murdered is facing backlash. But she has vowed to endure
- 2024 Olympics: Why Hezly Rivera Won’t Compete in Women’s Gymnastics Final
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Belly Up
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Income gap between Black and white US residents shrank between Gen Xers and millennials, study says
- Ryan Reynolds Shares Look Inside Dad Life With Blake Lively and Their 4 Kids
- Armie Hammer’s Mom Dru Hammer Reveals Why She Stayed Quiet Amid Sexual Assault Allegation
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Judges strike down Tennessee law to cut Nashville council in half
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Sheriff in charge of deputy who killed Sonya Massey declines to resign, asks for forgiveness
- Severe thunderstorms to hit Midwest with damaging winds, golf ball-size hail on Tuesday
- Who is Alex Sedrick? Meet 'Spiff,' Team USA women's rugby Olympics hero at Paris Games
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- ‘TikTok, do your thing’: Why are young people scared to make first move?
- Walmart Fashion Finds That Look Expensive, Starting at Only $8
- Michigan Supreme Court decision will likely strike hundreds from sex-offender registry
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
2024 Olympics: Why Hezly Rivera Won’t Compete in Women’s Gymnastics Final
Paris Olympics set record for number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes, but some say progress isn’t finished
Earthquake reported near Barstow, California Monday afternoon measuring 4.9
Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
2024 Olympics: Gymnast Frederick Richard's Parents Deserve a Medal for Their Reaction to His Routine
Taylor Fritz playing tennis at Olympics could hurt his career. This is why he's in Paris
Accusing Olympic leaders of blackmail over SLC 2034 threat, US lawmakers threaten payments to WADA