Conor McGregor has sparked widespread controversy following his loss in a civil case, which has led to a heated exchange with internet personality Jake Paul on social media.
The former UFC champion was ordered to pay over £200,000 in damages to Nikita Hand after a Dublin jury found him liable for assault in a 2018 incident at a hotel. McGregor, who denies the allegations, has maintained that the encounter was consensual and intends to appeal the verdict.
The legal decision quickly drew reactions from McGregor’s critics, most notably Jake Paul, who used Twitter to target McGregor, saying, “Dana hits his wife, Conor’s convicted of rape, but I’m the bad guy.”
The tweet, which referenced McGregor’s recent legal issues and those of UFC President Dana White, triggered a strong response from the Irish fighter.
McGregor, using his Twitter handle, TheNotoriousMMA, retorted with a homophobic slur, referring to Paul as a “little gay nerd.” The comment, widely condemned on social media, led to immediate backlash, with many pointing out the inappropriate nature of McGregor's response.
Paul, in turn, criticized McGregor for his offensive remark, accusing him of reflecting poorly on his character.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, involved Nikita Hand’s accusations of assault by McGregor at a Dublin hotel. Addressing the media outside court, Hand expressed hope that her case would encourage other survivors to come forward.
“No matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice,” Hand said, expressing gratitude for the support of her family and friends.
The jury deliberated for over six hours before reaching a verdict, finding McGregor liable for assault. However, Hand's case against another man, James Lawrence, whom she accused of non-consensual sex during the same incident, was dismissed.
After the court proceedings, McGregor, who had remained silent as he left the courtroom, issued a statement later, saying, “I will be appealing today’s decision. I am with my family now, focused on my future.”
