Conor McGregor releases statement after losing civil sexual assault case

McGregor has also been dropped by a video game brand.

Last Friday, a jury at the High Court ruled in favour of Nikita Hand and her sexual assault claim against the MMA fighter, with McGregor ordered to pay €248,000 in damages.

The incident occurred in 2018 at the Beacon Hotel. The following day Ms Hand, left with bruising on her body, was taken for a sexual assault examination at the Rotunda Hospital.

McGregor argued that all the events were consensual. McGregor's co-defendant, James Lawrence, was found not guilty.

In response to the verdict, McGregor released a statement on Tuesday morning, which reads:

"People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world.

"That’s all on me. As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision. I can’t go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side.

"That’s it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits!"

On Monday evening in Dublin, hundreds marched in solidarity with Ms Hand.

In light of the court ruling, Danish gaming company IO Interactive have removed McGregor from their game 'Hitman: World of Assassination', where he appeared as a villain for the player to eliminate.

In a statement, IO said: "In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately.

"We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr. McGregor from our storefronts starting today."