UFC star Conor McGregor appears in court to face sexual assault allegation in civil case

Former two-weight world champion McGregor is facing a civil assault claim in Dublin, brought by a woman who accuses him of sexual assault in 2018, with a judge saying the allegation is that McGregor "in effect, raped her"

A judge has told a court in Dublin that a woman alleges UFC star Conor McGregor "in effect, raped her".

The woman is bringing a civil damages claim against McGregor, 36, and James Lawrence, who both deny the civil assault claim stemming from an alleged rape at a hotel in Dublin in 2018. A jury of four men and eight women were sworn in before Judge Alexander Owens at court 24 of Dublin’s High Court after 11am on Tuesday morning.

Empanelling a jury this morning Judge Owens said the trial is about a hair colourist who alleges McGregor “sexually assaulted,” “in effect raped her” on December 9, 2018, and said that “Mr James Lawrence did likewise.” Judge Owens said the action is not a criminal case but it is a civil action for assault.

He said the jury is being summoned to judge facts and told them: “You decide facts as to what happened and draw conclusions.” He also told the jury to avoid sources on the internet that could lead them to opinions about the trial. Judge Owens said there is a "lot of nonsense to be found on the internet" and told the jurors to "stay away from it and not allow yourself to be influenced by it."

He told the jury not to look up "any colour pieces" or texts on Twitter or Facebook. Judge Owens said the jurors can discuss the evidence amongst themselves and that they can "make provisional assessments in relation to credibility." He said they could "do a bit of homework within the jury room," but told them their discussions are confidential between themselves and not to be discussed with anyone else or when they are at home.

Judge Owens said the jury must decide whether McGregor and Mr. Lawrence did or did not assault the complainant and go from there. If they decide they did, they must then decide on awarding damages. The jury has been sent out to select a foreman. Mr McGregor is sitting silent at the back of the courtroom, dressed in a navy suit, next to his father Tony and the co defendant Mr Lawrence.

Mr McGregor is being represented by Remy Farrell SC and Michael Staines solicitor, while the woman is being represented by Ray Boland SC, John Gordon SC, Siun Leonowicz Bland David Coleman solicitor. The court has heard that the case is expected to last two weeks. The action was first brought by the woman in 2021 and has had a number of adjournments since. The case is ongoing.