McGregor's Warpath: A Battle Against The Courts And Public Opinion

The MMA star's defiant behavior and inflammatory social media posts risk further legal repercussions and tarnish his reputation

Mr. Conor McGregor leaves the court on 22 November 2024. McGregor has been unleashing provocative posts, one after the other / David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images.

By Priscilla Jepchumba

Conor McGregor, the controversial and larger-than-life boxing star, has once again ignited a firestorm of public and legal controversy with his recent series of outbursts on social media. The fighter, who has been embroiled in various legal issues over the years, found himself in the spotlight once more after being found liable in a civil assault case involving fellow public figure, Nikita Hand.

Following the decision, McGregor took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to post numerous provocative remarks, sparking worries about his capacity to handle the legal issues and the damage to his reputation.

In a key decision, McGregor has been directed to pay €250,000 in damages and cover Ms. Hand’s legal fees. Yet, instead of showing remorse, McGregor has remained defiantly vocal. Recently, he tweeted several times, defending his behavior and claiming he was “chosen by God.” He encouraged his followers to “record everything” to safeguard themselves from possible legal troubles, indicating his belief that he was being unfairly targeted.

McGregor claimed he faced another allegation soon after the incident with Hand, which he argues was disproven by CCTV footage. He expressed his anger, saying, “After this accusation happened to me, and the lies that followed... another allegation happened to me shortly after. Only CCTV captured exactly that moment… I would be in jail right now.”

Additionally, he made headlines with a now-removed post where he insulted a court journalist by calling them “smelly,” revealing his volatile nature amid legal issues. Legal experts warn that these comments could lead to contempt charges. High Court Judge Alexander Owens criticized him, stating such actions "cannot be tolerated" and decrying his reference to the court as a “kangaroo court” as “highly irresponsible,” signaling potential legal consequences for McGregor.

The impact of McGregor's actions extends beyond the courts, significantly affecting his public image and business interests, as some retailers have already pulled his Proper Twelve whiskey from shelves. Despite these setbacks, McGregor maintains, “I told the truth and never once lied under oath,” and plans to contest the civil court’s findings.

In a controversial move, he shared a video of Crystal Mangum, known for the discredited Duke lacrosse rape allegations, with the caption, “God may forgive you, but I cannot.” Critics view this as an attempt to undermine his accuser, suggesting his actions are more about disrupting narratives surrounding his legal issues than mere self-defense.

As McGregor faces these challenges, his behavior risks alienating fans and jeopardizing his legacy. While some supporters may appreciate his boldness, others see his actions as harmful.