A woman who accused former UFC champion Conor McGregor of sexually assaulting her after an NBA Finals game in 2023 has filed a civil lawsuit against McGregor and the Miami Heat organization. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that both McGregor and the Kaseya Center staff, the Miami Heat’s home arena, acted with gross negligence.
The plaintiff, a 49-year-old Miami-Dade County resident and vice president at a prominent Wall Street financial institution, alleges that McGregor sexually assaulted her in a restroom at the Kaseya Center after Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023.
This civil suit follows a criminal sexual assault investigation filed in June 2023, which was ultimately dropped by the Florida State Attorney’s Office in October 2023 due to insufficient evidence. The incident was reported to the Miami Police Department two days after the alleged assault occurred. McGregor’s attorney, Barbara Llanes, has denied the allegations, stating in an emailed statement to ESPN, “After a thorough investigation at the time, the State’s Attorney concluded that there was no case to pursue. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed.”
A spokesperson for the Miami Heat declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
In the lawsuit, the woman claims that McGregor, after briefly conversing with her in the arena’s Courtside Club, had one of his associates approach her and say, “Conor told me to come get you,” before allegedly grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward a restroom. She claims she asked to be released, only to be told, “No, Conor will kill me if I lose you.” Once at the restroom, the suit alleges that McGregor led her into a stall, where the woman was allegedly assaulted. Her acquaintance, who attempted to follow, was reportedly blocked by Kaseya Center security.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, medical treatment costs, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. The plaintiff’s attorney, Jim Dunn, emphasized that the civil suit was filed to raise awareness about sexual assault and encourage other victims to come forward. “My client has thought long and hard about the decision to pursue this case, and is fearful of the impact it may have on her career,” Dunn stated. “But her primary goal is to encourage others to report sexual assault.”
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The complaint also highlights an earlier incident during the same evening, when McGregor allegedly assaulted the Heat mascot, “Burnie,” during an on-court promotional skit. The mascot was hospitalized following the incident, but the lawsuit asserts that arena staff withheld information about the mascot’s injuries from the public during the game. The suit further claims that McGregor received preferential treatment from the arena staff, including continued access to the venue and alcohol service after the altercation with the mascot. This, the plaintiff argues, demonstrated the arena’s “chargeable knowledge of a heightened risk of battery” by McGregor.
McGregor, 36, has not fought in the UFC since July 2021, when he suffered a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Conor McGregor?
Conor McGregor is accused of sexually assaulting a woman after an NBA Finals game at the Kaseya Center in Miami on June 9, 2023. The woman claims McGregor assaulted her in a restroom following an interaction in the arena’s Courtside Club.
Who is the woman accusing McGregor of sexual assault?
The woman is a 49-year-old vice president at a high-profile financial institution in New York. She resides in Miami-Dade County and has chosen to remain anonymous in the lawsuit.
Why is McGregor being sued now?
The lawsuit was filed after the Florida State Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue criminal charges against McGregor in October 2023, following an investigation into the allegations. The woman has now pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking justice, damages, and to raise awareness about sexual assault.
What does the lawsuit claim happened?
According to the lawsuit, the woman and McGregor briefly interacted in the Courtside Club at the Kaseya Center. Later, a member of McGregor’s team allegedly told the woman, “Conor told me to come get you,” before grabbing her wrist and leading her to a restroom. The woman claims she was then assaulted inside a stall while her acquaintance was prevented from following her by security.
What is the role of the Kaseya Center in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit also accuses the Kaseya Center’s security and staff of gross negligence. The woman’s legal team argues that the arena staff failed to take appropriate action despite the alleged risk McGregor posed. Additionally, the lawsuit mentions that McGregor continued to receive alcohol and special treatment after an earlier incident in which he allegedly assaulted the Miami Heat mascot, “Burnie.”
What is McGregor’s response to the allegations?
McGregor’s attorney, Barbara Llanes, has denied the allegations, asserting that they are false. Llanes stated that a thorough investigation by the Florida State Attorney’s Office concluded there was no evidence to support the criminal claims. She expressed confidence that the civil case would also be dismissed.
What damages are being sought in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, medical treatment costs, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. The woman is also pursuing the case to raise awareness about sexual assault and to encourage other victims to come forward.
What is the significance of this lawsuit?
Beyond the specific allegations against McGregor, the lawsuit highlights broader issues of sexual assault, accountability, and the challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice. The woman’s attorney has emphasized that this legal action is meant to support others who may be hesitant to report sexual assault and to bring attention to the need for greater awareness.
The lawsuit accusing Conor McGregor of sexual assault represents a significant legal and public development for the former UFC champion. While McGregor continues to deny the allegations and has asserted that the case will be dismissed, the legal process will ultimately determine the outcome. The plaintiff’s decision to pursue a civil case, despite the Florida State Attorney’s Office declining to file criminal charges, highlights the challenges faced by victims of sexual assault in seeking justice.
Beyond the specific details of this case, the lawsuit underscores the broader conversation around accountability, the treatment of individuals in positions of power, and the importance of addressing sexual assault. As the case progresses, it is likely to attract further attention, not only due to McGregor’s high-profile status but also because of its potential to spark greater awareness of the issues surrounding sexual assault and how they are handled both legally and socially. Ultimately, the outcome of this lawsuit will be shaped by the evidence presented, the arguments of both sides, and the court’s interpretation of the claims.