Current:Home > NewsUFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game-LoTradeCoin
UFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game
View Date:2024-12-24 00:28:09
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! (32)
Related
- Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
- Mel B Reveals Why She Got Kicked Out of the Spice Girls Group Chat
- Watch the total solar eclipse eclipse the Guardians White Sox game in Cleveland
- Powerball drawing delayed with $1.3 billion jackpot on the line
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul referee handled one of YouTuber's biggest fights
- When does Tiger Woods tee off? Masters tee times for Thursday's opening round
- Connecticut joins elite group of best men's NCAA national champs. Who else is on the list?
- Russell Simmons Reacts to Daughter Aoki’s Romance With Restaurateur Vittorio Assaf
- Wheel of Fortune Contestant Goes Viral Over His Hilariously Wrong Answer
- From the sandwich shop to the radio airwaves, how the solar eclipse united a Vermont town
Ranking
- Research reveals China has built prototype nuclear reactor to power aircraft carrier
- Effort to enshrine right to abortion in Maine Constitution comes up short in first votes
- Pregnant Vanderpump Rules Star Lala Kent Reveals the Sex of Baby No. 2
- Israel has told White House that IDF troops will have rest and refit, NSC's John Kirby says
- AP Top 25: Oregon remains No. 1 as Big Ten grabs 4 of top 5 spots; Georgia, Miami out of top 10
- Washington state ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines ruled unconstitutional, but state appeals
- Conservative Christians praise Trump’s anti-abortion record but say he’s stopped short of the goal
- Photos from total solar eclipse show awe as moon covers sun
Recommendation
-
All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
-
Captain James Cook and the controversial legacy of Western exploration
-
Can’t get enough of the total solar eclipse or got clouded out? Here are the next ones to watch for
-
The 5 states with the highest inflation and the 5 with the lowest. See where yours ranks
-
Larry Hobbs, who guided AP’s coverage of Florida news for decades, has died at 83
-
On National Beer Day 2024, the US is drinking more Modelo than Bud Light as NA brews rise
-
Eva Mendes' Brother Carlo Mendez Shares What She and Ryan Gosling Are Like as Parents
-
Wisconsin Senate’s longest-serving member will not seek reelection