"Ireland's Shift: Conor McGregor Faces Backlash Following Sexual Assault Verdict"

Following a civil jury’s verdict declaring Conor McGregor guilty of sexual assault, the once-celebrated Irish athlete faces widespread fallout as brands sever ties and patrons erase his presence in public spaces.

 

Conor McGregor's turbulent fall from grace has become a focal point of national conversation in Ireland. Just days after a Dublin jury found him guilty of sexual assault against Nikita Hand, the mixed martial arts (MMA) star proclaimed on social media, “The fight game awaits!”—a statement that starkly contrasts the public sentiment turning against him. The jury awarded Hand €250,000 (£208,000) in damages after finding McGregor liable for rape at a hotel in December 2018, compelling a wave of retailers to remove his products and brands to dissolve partnerships.

The case, which McGregor intends to appeal, marks just one of several legal issues surrounding his career. Once an icon regarded for inspiring a generation in a struggling Ireland post-2008 recession, McGregor's recent actions have led to a considerable loss of public support. Supermarkets across Ireland and the UK have acted swiftly to pull McGregor-linked merchandise, while companies such as Proximo Spirits, which owns his Proper No Twelve whiskey brand, have stated they will no longer utilize his likeness for marketing.

Commentators note that the perception of McGregor, previously viewed as a trailblazer, has deteriorated rapidly. Petesy Carroll, an MMA journalist, emphasized that McGregor's persona had become a massive distraction from the sport itself, contributing to a growing disfavor among fans.

Emerging from a rough childhood in Lucan, Dublin, McGregor’s rise to fame came after a meteoric start in the UFC, winning multiple titles and amassing considerable wealth. However, Carroll points out that as wealth and fame intensified, so too did the distractions and controversies, altering McGregor’s relationship with supporters.

The civil trial, capturing the nation's attention, received heightened media coverage, focusing on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence. Following the verdict, Irish Crisis Center reported a 150% increase in calls from individuals affected by sexual violence, signaling a cultural shift in discussions surrounding such issues.

As murals of the fighter are painted over and gyms dismantle tributes, public opinion now seems firmly against McGregor, with many expressing relief and support for Hand. Gary Scully, owner of a gym that removed McGregor's mural, remarked, “People want nothing to do with him... The way he’s behaved is just absolutely terrible.” With numerous brands and supporters withdrawing their allegiance, the path forward for McGregor remains uncertain as he faces profound fallout from the recent ruling.