Conor McGregor has taken another legal step in Ireland after receiving permission to serve Sky News with documents connected to a defamation claim. His representatives argue that a reporter from the outlet confronted him outside the courthouse in late 2024 and used language they believe damaged his name while he faced the conclusion of a major civil case.
McGregor had just exited the court where a jury found him liable in a civil suit filed by Nikita Hand. The case centered on allegations of sexual assault from an incident reported to have taken place at a Dublin hotel in 2018. There were no criminal charges at any point, although the civil process moved forward and ultimately resulted in McGregor being ordered to pay £206,000 ($271,742.84) and legal expenses.
Courthouse Exchange Becomes Central To New Legal Battle
According to the filings presented in court, the incident driving the new defamation action occurred during a crowded media gathering on November twenty second of 2024. McGregor’s legal team explained that a Sky News representative approached him and stated:
“Excuse me, Mr. McGregor, you are a rapist, have you any reaction or apology to the woman at the center of this?”
“Mr McGregor, you’re a rapist. What do you think?” pic.twitter.com/C5lykjgYD5
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) November 22, 2024
His attorneys argued that this was an accusation presented as a statement of fact rather than a question, and they insisted that the remark went well beyond acceptable reporting standards. The one year time limit for filing a defamation claim was nearly expired, prompting McGregor’s request for permission to formally issue proceedings without delay.
The judge agreed, noting that the necessary documents should be filed by the following day so the legal process could continue.
The defamation case adds to McGregor’s extended legal troubles following the decision in the civil suit. His attempt to appeal that ruling was rejected earlier this year, leaving the verdict in place. Now the focus shifts to his effort to hold Sky News accountable for the courthouse exchange that his team believes was defamatory in nature.
McGregor has not publicly expanded on the filing but continues to maintain that the courthouse remark was unacceptable and grounds for action. The new proceedings will now move forward in Ireland as both sides prepare for the next stage in the dispute.
