Current:Home > ScamsBenjamin Ashford|UFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game -AssetTrainer
Benjamin Ashford|UFC Fighter Conor McGregor Denies Sexually Assaulting Woman at NBA Game
Will Sage Astor View
Date:2025-04-09 15:35:10
Content warning: This story discusses allegations of sexual assault.
Conor McGregor is refuting sexual assault allegations following an appearance at an NBA Finals game.
In a legal letter sent to the UFC star this week and Benjamin Ashfordobtained by E! News June 15, McGregor was accused of forcing himself on a woman at the Kaseya Center in Miami June 9.
The document—written by Ariel Mitchell, an attorney representing McGregor's accuser—alleged that the unnamed woman was "trapped" inside the men's bathroom by security before the MMA fighter appeared, "aggressively kissed her" and tried to force her into multiple sex acts.
In response, McGregor's attorney told E! News, "The allegations are false. Mr. McGregor will not be intimidated. Mr. McGregor welcomes the investigation, which he firmly believes will show the claims against him are false." His attorney also said the claim is "no more than a shakedown."
McGregor was at the basketball game, which saw the Denver Nuggets win the series against Miami Heat, to promote a new pain-relief spray. As seen in videos shared on social media that night, the MMA fighter knocked down the Heats' mascot, Burnie, with a punch during a pre-arranged halftime sketch.
However, Mitchell alleged in the letter, McGregor then "elevated his aggressive, unprovoked, and outrageous behavior by violently sexually assaulting" his accuser after the game. Mitchell further claimed McGregor's security held the woman's purse "hostage" when she fled the scene, and that the bag was only returned to after she made "several desperate pleas."
The woman contacted law enforcement after the alleged attack, according to the letter.
On June 15, a spokesperson for the Miami Police Department confirmed to E! News that their Special Victims Unit is investigating a report filed on June 11. "This is an open investigation," the spokesperson said, "so no additional information can be released at this time."
McGregor has not been charged with a crime, though his accuser's attorney warned of possible litigation.
"We know a lengthy, public litigation would encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward," Mitchell's letter read. "This firm has been instructed to explore all reasonable settlement offers to resolve these claims before they escalate further."
UFC told NBC News in a statement that the organization "is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident."
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat and the Kaseya Center, which were issued a letter from Mitchell as well, said in a joint social media statement on June 15, "We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment."
Mike Bass, a spokesman for the NBA, issued a statement from the organization reading: "We are aware of the allegations and are working with the team to gather more information."
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.veryGood! (75)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- I Couldn't ZipUup My Jeans Until I Put On This Bodysuit With 6,700+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews
- New documentary shines light on impact of guaranteed income programs
- Jessie J Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby Boy Over One Year After Miscarriage
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Jessie J Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby Boy Over One Year After Miscarriage
- Ignoring Scientists’ Advice, Trump’s EPA Rejects Stricter Air Quality Standard
- A rehab center revives traumatized Ukrainian troops before their return to battle
- 'Most Whopper
- FDA gives 2nd safety nod to cultivated meat, produced without slaughtering animals
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Georgia governor signs bill banning most gender-affirming care for trans children
- How Taylor Lautner Grew Out of His Resentment Towards Twilight Fame
- Lori Vallow Case: Idaho Mom Indicted on New Murder Conspiracy Charge
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Meet the 'glass-half-full girl' whose brain rewired after losing a hemisphere
- What to know about xylazine, the drug authorities are calling a public safety threat
- Love is something that never dies: Completing her father's bucket list
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Teen Mom's Maci Bookout Celebrates Son Bentley's Middle School Graduation
48 Hours investigates the claims and stunning allegations behind Vincent Simmons' conviction
Allow Viola Davis to Give You a Lesson on Self-Love and Beauty
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
Bob Huggins resigns as West Virginia men's basketball coach after DUI arrest in Pittsburgh
Human composting: The rising interest in natural burial
Patriots cornerback Jack Jones arrested at Logan Airport after 2 loaded guns found in carry-on luggage