A woman who previously accused former UFC champion Conor McGregor of sexual assault, but was unsuccessful in getting criminal charges filed, is now taking legal action against McGregor and employees at the basketball arena where she claims the assault took place.
The woman, described in the lawsuit as a 49-year-old senior vice president at a prominent Wall Street financial institution, alleges McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom at the Kaseya Center, home to the Miami Heat.
The incident is said to have occurred on June 9, 2023, during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, when the Heat faced the Denver Nuggets. Her attorney, James Dunn, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida.
“My client has carefully considered the decision to move forward with this civil case and is concerned about the potential impact it may have on her career in the financial industry,” Dunn stated.
“However, her primary objective in filing this suit is to raise awareness and encourage others to come forward with reports of sexual assault.”
The lawsuit claims that arena staff and security were aware of the wrongful conduct but failed to provide adequate protection for the woman. Additionally, it accuses staff of continuing to serve McGregor alcohol despite knowing the potential risk of assault.
Conor McGregor AccusedThe lawsuit further explains that McGregor was present at the game for a promotional skit in which he struck the Heat’s mascot, Burnie, and then punched the mascot again after it fell.
Members of the Miami Heat’s promotional team subsequently dragged Burnie off the court as McGregor attempted to “spray” the mascot with a featured pain relief product.
After the game, the woman was reportedly escorted by someone associated with McGregor to the men’s bathroom, where the assault is alleged to have occurred. Authorities began investigating the claims but announced four months later that they would not be filing charges.
The Associated Press reached out to McGregor’s attorney via phone and email. Heat spokesperson Lorrie-Ann Diaz told the AP that the organization does not comment on ongoing litigation.
McGregor, who is a former UFC champion in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, made history by becoming the first UFC fighter to hold championships in both weight classes simultaneously.
In November, a civil court jury in Ireland awarded 250,000 euros to a woman who accused McGregor of being “brutally raped and battered.”