UFC star Conor McGregor is facing an accusation that he sexually assaulted a woman in an arena restroom just after Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Miami, TMZ reported Thursday, June 15.
Through her attorney, the woman sent demand letters to the fighter, the NBA and the Miami Heat seeking a settlement in lieu of legal action, per the report.
“We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation,” the Heat said in a statement. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment.”
In the letters, the woman’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell, contends security for both the team and the NBA forced the woman into a restroom where McGregor and his security guard were waiting. Then, Mitchell wrote, McGregor “aggressively kissed” the woman as security kept everyone out of the restroom.
McGregor then forced her into oral sex and as he attempted further sexual activity, the woman elbowed him repeatedly and was able to escape, per Mitchell. She reported the alleged assault to police in Florida on June 11.
Representatives for McGregor told TMZ the allegations are false.
“Mr. McGregor will not be intimidated,” they added.
On Friday, TMZ provided video from a cellphone that appeared to show McGregor leading the alleged accuser into a bathroom.
“After the video was released by TMZ, the claimant’s lawyer now has changed her story,” McGregor’s attorney Barbara R. Llanes told TMZ.
“Mr. McGregor welcomes the investigation, which he firmly believes will show the claims against him are false. After not responding to the demand for money made by claimant’s counsel, she turned to the media to apply pressure. This is no more than a shakedown.”
UFC officials told TMZ they were aware of the allegations.
“UFC will allow the legal process to play out before making any additional statements,” per the promotion’s statement.
McGregor sat courtside at the game on June 9 and took part in a halftime promotional act in which he punched the Heat mascot several times.
Burnie, the mascot, had to go to the emergency room and was sent home with pain medication, USA Today reported.
– Rappler.com
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