(Miami) Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is being investigated for an alleged sexual assault during an NBA Finals game last week in Miami, several US media reported on Thursday.
A woman accuses McGregor of ‘violently’ assaulting her in a bathroom at Miami’s Kaseya Center on Friday during the basketball game between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets, according to letters from the victim’s attorney cited by ESPN and TMZ Sports media. According to those same documents, the Irishman “aggressively kissed” the woman and attempted to force several sexual acts on her under duress.
Conor McGregor denies these accusations, told AFP his lawyer, Barbara Llanes.
“The allegations are false. Mr. McGregor not be intimidated,” she said.
Miami police limited themselves to indicating that their “special victims” unit was investigating after a complaint was filed on Sunday.
“The investigation is open, and no additional information can be communicated at this stage”, wrote the police in a press release sent to AFP, without mentioning the name of Conor McGregor.
Both the NBA and the Miami Heat have said they are aware of the charges and are awaiting the results of the investigation.
McGregor, guest of Friday’s game for a scheduled publicity event, had already caused perplexity by punching a Miami Heat mascot after his performance on the floor. Transported to the hospital, the man who wore the costume of the mascot came out in the evening after being prescribed painkillers.
McGregor, 34, is one of the biggest global stars in the history of the hugely successful Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts league. He previously held the featherweight and lightweight titles.
He’s been in several ticketed events, including a 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, which generated more than $600 million in total revenue, and earned the former plumber apprentice from Dublin around $100 million. .