Conor McGregor has opened up about his regrets in his relationship with fiancée Dee Devlin after being found liable in a civil rape and sexual assault case. The verdict, delivered by an Ireland court on Friday, Nov. 22, found the 36-year-old MMA fighter liable for raping and sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand while she was intoxicated in December 2018.
McGregor addressed the verdict and his relationship with Devlin in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, Nov. 25, three days after the ruling. In his post, McGregor acknowledged the mistakes he made in his personal life, particularly with regard to his relationship with Devlin.
“People want to hear from me,” McGregor began, adding that Hand had reached out to him. “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.”
McGregor expressed regret for betraying Devlin, stating, “I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me.” He acknowledged the pain his actions have caused, taking responsibility for the choices he made that have affected his family and his relationship with Devlin.
The UFC star went on to maintain his innocence regarding the allegations. “As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual, and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath,” McGregor continued. He also revealed that he had instructed his legal team to appeal the court’s decision, insisting that the ruling was unjust.
“I can’t go back, and I will move forward,” McGregor said. “I am beyond grateful to my family, friends, and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side.” The fighter’s post reflected his determination to fight the verdict while also expressing gratitude for the support he’s received during this challenging time.
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McGregor’s post on X was the second time he stated his intention to appeal the court’s decision. The ruling ordered McGregor to pay nearly €250,000 (approximately $257,000 USD) in damages to Hand, according to reports by the Associated Press and the Guardian.
Immediately following the court’s decision on Nov. 22, McGregor shared his reaction in a now-deleted post on X, expressing disappointment and reiterating his plans to appeal.
“I will be appealing today’s decision,” McGregor wrote in the deleted post. “The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide.”
On the other side, Nikita Hand spoke to reporters after the verdict, sharing her gratitude for the support she had received throughout the trial. “I am overwhelmed by the support I’ve received through the trial process,” Hand said. She also offered a message to other victims of sexual assault, saying, “To all the victims of sexual assault, 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.”
McGregor’s relationship with Dee Devlin has been a significant part of his public persona for many years. The couple first met at a Dublin nightclub in 2008, where Devlin was working at the time. Over the years, Devlin has stood by McGregor through both his career highs and personal lows, and the couple has built a family together.
After over a decade together, McGregor proposed to Devlin on Aug. 9, 2020, although they have not yet officially tied the knot. Despite the turmoil in their personal lives, the couple has continued to grow their family. They welcomed their fourth child, a son named Mack, in November 2023.
In addition to Mack, McGregor and Devlin have three other children: their eldest son Conor Jr., who was born in May 2017; their daughter Croai, born in January 2019; and another son, Rian, who arrived in May 2021. McGregor has often spoken about his love for his children and the importance of family in his life, and Devlin has been a steady presence through both the triumphs and trials of his career.
As McGregor faces the aftermath of the civil case and his ongoing legal battle, his relationship with Devlin remains a focal point.
His public expression of regret highlights the complexity of navigating personal failures while in the public eye.
McGregor’s acknowledgment of his mistakes and his commitment to moving forward reflect his desire to repair the damage done to his family and continue on a path of redemption. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, as he prepares to appeal the ruling and rebuild trust with his loved ones.
