Conor McGregor has released a statement saying he has “made mistakes” as a march was held in support of Nikita Hand in Dublin city centre.
McGregor posted the new statement on X as hundreds of people staged a demonstration in Dublin in “utter solidarity” with Ms Hand, who won her civil case against the MMA fighter.
McGregor has again said he would appeal the decision found in favour of Ms Hand who was described as “incredibly brave” and celebrated for “standing up for survivors” by those who attended the march.
McGregor’s statement in full 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.
“I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision,” he adds.
Ruth Coppinger and Natasha O’Brien at the march in support of Nikita Hand
“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!”
Last night’s protest march was organised by the socialist feminist movement group Rosa to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Participants chanted “stand with Nikita” and “no more fear, no more shaming – we reject your victim blaming” as they carried signs and banners through the capital’s streets.
Natasha O’Brien, who became a national figure in activism on violence against women after a soldier received a suspended sentence for assaulting her, was cheered as she told those gathered that she was “in awe” of Ms Hand’s courage.
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She said Ireland let out a collective “sigh of relief” after the jury in the civil case found in favour of Ms Hand in her case against Mr McGregor.
“But, for me – it was a split second because in came all these questions flooding in: Why did Nikita have to fight alone?”
She added: “This really hits home for me, it is like a kick in the guts.”
She said she had cried “so many tears” over the weeks of the civil rape case.
Mr McGregor had faced an accusation that he “brutally raped and battered” Ms Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018.
The sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel.
Ms Hand was taken in an ambulance to the Rotunda Hospital the following day where she was assessed in the sexual assault treatment unit (SATU).
Nikita spoke powerfully outside the court
A paramedic who examined Ms Hand the day after the assault had told the court she had not seen “someone so bruised” in a long time.
Ms Hand broke down several times as she gave evidence for almost three days and sought a number of breaks.
The jury had been told Ms Hand had to leave her job as a hairdresser and has not been able to work since, because of her mental health, that her relationship with her partner ended months after the incident, she had to move out of her home in Drimnagh, and her mortgage is now in arrears.
After eight days of evidence and three days listening to closing speeches and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before returning their verdict.
The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was €248,603.60.
Speaking outside court on Friday, Ms Hand said she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”.
She added: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.”
Meanwhile the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said that since the jury found in favour of Nikita Hand, there has been a strong effect across Irish society “that we are feeling”.
“Standing outside the High Court on Friday evening, Nikita Hand said, ‘speak up, use your voice’,” the DRC said in a statement.
“And her call has been heard loud and clear, with a huge surge in people seeking support from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre over the past weekend.”
Calls to the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline almost doubled over the weekend and the number of first-time callers have increased by 50pc.
Over the six hours immediately after the verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon, calls to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre surged by 150pc.
Speaking about the immediate impact of the verdict, Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive, said: “We have also observed an outpouring of support for Nikita Hand and for all survivors of sexual violence, with many people referencing Mr Justice Owens’ comments around consent and what that means.”
As part of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, the organisation is asking people to stand with Nikita Hand and “examine whether the brands they associate with or follow are consistent with their own values and are opposed to violence against women”.
The centre’s helpline can be contacted at 1800 77 88 88