This report contains details of a sexual nature that some readers may find distressing.
Nikita Hand has said she hopes her successful lawsuit against Conor McGregor will send a message to victims that they can ‘stand up for themselves’.
Ms Hand alleged that the MMA fighter raped her a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
McGregor strongly denied the accusation but the jury in the civil trial sided with Ms Hand and awarded damages in her favour.
Outside the court, Ms Hand thanked her legal team who she said had been “amazing from start to finish”.
She also said she had been “overwhelmed and touched by the support” of so many people during the ordeal.
Nikita Hand reads a statement to press outside the High Court. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ieMs Hand added that she hoped the verdict would send a powerful message to her daughter and other victims.
“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you no matter who the person is and justice will be served,” she said.
“To all the victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is my reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.
“I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter’s, my family’s and my friends’ tremendously and it's something that I'll never forget for the rest of my life.
"Now that justice has been served, I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family and friends and daughter."
'I want to show Freya, and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is - and justice will be served'
Nikita Hand speaking after winning her case against Conor McGregor pic.twitter.com/ZgLP5EjGPe
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 22, 2024
When asked how she had found the trial, Ms Hand replied that it had been a “nightmare” and that she felt vindicated by the verdict.
'Unpleasant and uncomfortable'
On The Hard Shoulder, David Hall, CEO of Sonas, a domestic violence charity, described Ms Hand as a “remarkable person”.
“I hope that Nikita… will most certainly know that the entire country could hear [her],” he said.
“This was played out in full technicolour; [it was] full, unpleasant and uncomfortable.
“Any human who listened to the set of circumstances and all the evidence that was given by independent witnesses would agree with today’s decision.
“Many did - and do - believe Nikita and it’s very, very important that everyone understands that.”
Ms Hand was awarded €248,603.60 in damages by the court but Mr Hall said he was concerned about the financial impact bringing the case has had on her.
"[The verdict] came at a cost and, potentially, it came at a financial cost," he said.
"Which in these circumstances is an absolute embarrassment to this State."
In a post on X, McGregor vowed to appeal the verdict.
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If you have been impacted by rape or sexual assault you can contact the Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour National Helpline on 1800 77 8888.
Main image shows Nikita Hand. Image by: RollingNews.ie
