Miami
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 16, 2025
Conor McGregor Sued for Alleged Sexual Battery Following 2023 NBA Finals in MiamiSource: Wikipedia/Kremlin.ru, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the aftermath of the NBA Finals frenzy, wherein the Miami Heat clashed with the Denver Nuggets, the arena’s atmosphere of celebration has turned sour as former UFC champion, Conor McGregor, faces a lawsuit for alleged sexual battery. According to a statement obtained by WSVN, the plaintiff—a 49-year-old senior vice president at a Wall Street financial institution—has accused McGregor of assaulting her in a bathroom at the Kaseya Center on June 9, 2023.

This serious accusation comes despite the Florida State Attorney's Office's decision not to file criminal charges after a four-month investigation; however, the woman, represented by attorney Jim Dunn, has proceeded with a civil lawsuit—she fears the repercussions on her career, yet she is determined to prompt other potential victims to come forward, "My client has thought long and hard about the decision to pursue this civil case, and is fearful of the effect it may have on her job on Wall Street,” Dunn said, “Nonetheless, her main goal in filing this suit is to raise awareness and encourage others to report sexual assault," as he told WSVN. The lawsuit goes so far as to implicate staff and security at the arena for not only having knowledge of McGregor's behavior but also for continuing to serve him alcohol in spite of recognizing "a heightened risk of battery being carried out," as per the filed documents.

The narrative provided by the lawsuit alleges that after promotional antics with the Heat’s mascot during the game, McGregor, potentially emboldened by alcohol, led the woman to the men's restroom, an account backed by the plaintiff's friend, who claimed McGregor's security thwarted her attempts to intervene. USA TODAY Sports reports the alleged details of the assault are disturbing, with McGregor accused of forcing the plaintiff into a compromising position, with unsuccessful attempts of leaving resulting in physical force by McGregor to detain her.

Barbara Llanes, McGregor's attorney, remains adamant that these fresh charges will be similarly dismissed, "After a thorough investigation at the time, the State's Attorney concluded that there was no case to pursue," Llanes told USA TODAY Sports, "Almost two years and at least three lawyers later the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed." The plaintiff seeks compensation for medical treatment, damages, and further relief from McGregor and the arena security, while McGregor's legal woes compound, being recently found liable in a separate 2018 sexual assault case in Ireland.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies