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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Guardian sport

Conor McGregor denies allegation he sexually assaulted woman at NBA finals

Conor McGregor was in Miami to attend the NBA finals
Conor McGregor was in Miami to attend the NBA finals. Photograph: Valérie Macon/AFP/Getty Images

A representative for mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has denied allegations he sexually assaulted a woman at Game 4 of the NBA finals last week.

Attorney Ariel Mitchell says in a letter obtained by TMZ that her client was attending the game in Miami when she was separated from her friend by security staff and taken into a bathroom. The woman alleges McGregor was waiting inside the bathroom, where he kissed her and forced her to have oral sex. She says she elbowed McGregor and escaped. She is seeking a settlement from McGregor, as well as the NBA and Miami Heat, who hosted the game. The woman claims Heat and NBA security staff helped separate her from her friend.

A representative for McGregor told TMZ that the “allegations are false” and “Mr McGregor will not be intimidated”.

In a statement the Heat said: “We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment.”

McGregor was a guest at the game and was involved in an on-court skit in which he staged a mock fight with the Heat mascot. However, the person inside the mascot suit needed medical attention after taking two punches from McGregor.

The 34-year-old McGregor is the biggest star in UFC, mixed martial arts’ largest promotion but has not fought since 2021.

“The organization is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident,” said UFC in a statement. “UFC will allow the legal process to play out before making any additional statements.”

The NBA says it is assisting the Heat with its investigation. The Miami Police Department told ESPN it is investigating a report filed on Sunday.

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