Conor McGregor's brands face boycott after sexual assault ruling

Retailers across Ireland are being urged to boycott Conor McGregor's brands after a civil court jury found him liable for the sexual assault of hair colourist Nikita Hand

Retailers across Ireland are being called on to shun Conor McGregor's alcoholic drink lines after he was found liable for sexually assaulting a hair colourist in a civil court case. The outcry comes as shopkeepers are encouraged to spurn the ex-UFC champion's stout and whiskey brands, in light of the recent High Court jury decision which saw Nikita Hand being awarded up to €250,000 in damages.

The grievous episode allegedly took place in December 2018 at the Beacon Hotel's penthouse suite.

Cliona Saidlear, the executive director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, has made an outspoken appeal to retailers to boycott McGregor's Forged stout and Proper No 12 whiskey brands. She commented: "The companies making money from his alcohol and other products need to look at whether they want to align themselves with a man found by a civil jury to have sexually assaulted a woman."

READ MORE: Conor McGregor's bold 120-word statement in FULL after losing civil case

Saidlear further asserted the need for businesses to cease their promotion of McGregor and to take steps to dissociate from him: "They need to stop promoting him and distance themselves... €250,000 won't dent his finances, but the public can play a role here in expressing disapproval for anyone that tries make money with a man who engaged in that despicable behaviour."

Despite the controversy, McGregor's Proper No 12 whiskey—which he sold off in 2023 yet continues to represent—and his Forged Irish Stout continue to be sold in numerous supermarkets and off-licences. Nevertheless, McGregor is set for another stint in the High Court early next year when he faces a lawsuit filed by former close friend and previous MMA combatant Artem Lobov, in a dispute over the profits of the said whiskey, reports Dublin Live.

A Dublin-based Russian entrepreneur with a Master's degree in business from DCU is suing Conor McGregor over the UFC star's whiskey brand. He alleges McGregor promised him a five per cent slice of the business for his assistance with the brand, claims which have reportedly gone unpaid after McGregor sold his stake for a hefty sum.

Legal beagles suggest the court case, set for January in front of a High Court judge, might leave McGregor out of pocket by millions if the decision goes against him. An insider revealed: "This case is not before a jury but could cost him around eight million if he loses."