**Conor McGregor Vows to Appeal Jury Verdict in Sexual Assault Civil Case**

Conor McGregor has spoken out for the first time following a jury's verdict that found him liable for sexual assault in a civil case filed in Ireland. The decision came after McGregor was accused of sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand at a Dublin hotel in 2018. The jury’s deliberation resulted in McGregor being ordered to pay Hand €248,603.60, which is approximately $258,440.

McGregor made a swift exit from the courtroom without addressing the media but later issued a statement on Twitter. In his message, McGregor declared his intentions to appeal the court's decision. "I will be appealing today's decision," he said. He highlighted that the judgment and the awarded damages were for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. McGregor also expressed discontent over the jury not hearing all the evidence reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He concluded by saying, "I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide." The tweet has since been deleted, but screenshots of the statement continue to circulate online.

James Lawrence, who was also accused of assault alongside McGregor, was found not liable by the jury.

The allegations trace back to 2018 when Hand accused McGregor of sexually assaulting her at the Beacon Hotel penthouse suite in Sandyford, Dublin. Hand testified that McGregor attempted to force her into having sex during their encounter. In her testimony, Hand recalled telling a friend that McGregor "raped and battered" her.

McGregor, in his court testimony, admitted to engaging in sexual activity with Hand but insisted that it was consensual, describing the acts as "athletic, physical." He firmly denied any assault, stating to Hand's attorney, "your client is full of lies. Everything is a lie."

Despite a two-year investigation by law enforcement that concluded without criminal charges, Hand proceeded with a civil lawsuit against the UFC fighter. The trial commenced in November and spanned 11 days before the jury delivered their verdict.