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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Guardian sport

Conor McGregor’s lawyer says client will not be charged over alleged sexual assault

Conor McGregor is UFC’s biggest star
Conor McGregor is UFC’s biggest star. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA

Prosecutors in Miami have reportedly chosen not to pursue charges against Conor McGregor over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman at an NBA game in June.

According to documents seen by TMZ Sports, prosecutors said there was “insufficient evidence” that mixed martial arts star assaulted a woman at Game 4 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets.

The woman claimed she was separated from her friend by security staff and taken into a bathroom during the game. She alleged McGregor was waiting inside the bathroom, where he kissed her and forced her to have oral sex.

TMZ reports that prosecutors say video shows the pair entering a bathroom and staying there for five minutes. Prosecutors interviewed an attendant in the bathroom who said McGregor and the woman went into a bathroom stall. But the witness “did not hear any signs of distress or sounds that would corroborate that whatever was occurring was not consensual.” They also spoke to a friend of McGregor’s accuser, who said the woman made no mention of the alleged assault on the night of the game. The woman also discussed the possibility of McGregor “paying her off” when she first spoke to police.

Prosecutors wrote that “in light of the above facts and circumstances, the State would not be able to satisfy its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”

McGregor’s lawyer, Barbara Llanes, said she was satisfied with the findings.

“After a thorough investigation, including a review of videos and interviews with eyewitnesses, the authorities have concluded that there is no case to pursue against my client, Conor McGregor,” Llanes said. “On behalf of my client, his family and his fans we are pleased this is now over.”

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

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