Report: Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault allegation in Ireland

Conor McGregor’s latest retirement announcement is likely to take a back seat to major allegations involving the UFC star that were reported on Tuesday.

The New York Times reports that McGregor, 30, is under investigation from the Gardai (Irish police) for his potential involvement in a sexual assault case in December, citing sources “familiar with the investigation.” The alleged incident was initially reported by Irish publication RTE on Dec. 12, 2018, but due to the Gardai not releasing the name of the suspect, he was simply referred to as an “Irish sports star”. The country’s laws do not allow for suspects in rape cases to be named unless they are convicted.

Regardless, rumors swirled on social media speculating that McGregor was the sportsman in question.

MMA Fighting reached out to McGregor’s team for comment and received a statement from spokeswoman Karen J. Kessler:

“This story has been circulating for some time and it is unclear why it is being reported now.

“The assumption that the Conor retirement announcement today is related to this rumor is absolutely false.

“Should Conor fight in the future it must be in an environment where fighters are respected for their value, their skill, their hard work and their dedication to the sport.”

Per the New York Times report, McGregor was arrested in January and questioned by law enforcement in regards to the incident, but released pending further investigation. He has not been formally charged with a crime.

The accuser alleges that the incident occurred at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin, a short drive from McGregor’s hometown of Crumlin, which is located in South Dublin. In the report, McGregor is described as an “occasional guest” at the establishment and sources claim to have seen him visit before the night of the incident, booking the hotel penthouse.

Police have evidence from McGregor’s room as well as “closed-circuit camera footage”, according to the New York Times citing a source with knowledge of the investigation.

This is the second time this month that a McGregor arrest has made the headlines. Earlier in March, McGregor was arrested for allegedly taking the cell phone of a man who was attempting to take a picture of him and smashing it on the ground outside of a hotel in Miami, Florida. He was charged with strong-armed robbery and criminal mischief, and is facing a lawsuit for that incident.

McGregor, a former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, is currently under suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his involvement in the infamous UFC 229 brawl in October involving his team and that of rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. He also received a $50,000 fine for that infraction.