**Once hailed as a national hero, Conor McGregor's legacy tarnishes as Irish retailers and fans distance themselves following a sexual assault ruling.**
**Ireland’s Shift from Support to Rejection: Conor McGregor's Fall from Grace**

**Ireland’s Shift from Support to Rejection: Conor McGregor's Fall from Grace**
**The verdict in a civil case against the MMA fighter marks a pivotal moment in public perception.**
In a dramatic turn of events, Conor McGregor, one of Ireland’s most celebrated athletes, has witnessed a significant decline in public support following a jury's verdict finding him guilty of sexual assault. After a Dublin court awarded Nikita Hand nearly €250,000 (£208,000) in damages, retail stores promptly removed products linked to him, and various businesses severed ties with the fighter. McGregor, who has a vast social media following, took to Instagram to vow an appeal against the jury's decision.
The allegations arose from a December 2018 incident at a Dublin hotel, where Hand accused McGregor of rape. While he faced similar past controversies, including multiple arrests and a conviction for assault, the verdict in Hand's civil case has instigated an unprecedented backlash from the Irish public and associated brands.
As the trial concluded, hundreds of retailers across the UK and Ireland announced the withdrawal of McGregor-related merchandise. Proximo Spirits, which acquired his Proper No Twelve whiskey brand, stated it would discontinue the use of McGregor’s name and likeness. Additionally, the gaming company IO Interactive and Ireland’s National Wax Museum also announced the end of any affiliations with McGregor.
Once viewed as a national icon who brought MMA to Ireland, the controversies surrounding McGregor's behavior have alienated his supporters. MMA journalist Petesy Carroll remarked on how the athlete's ascent to fame coincided with a period of economic hardship in Ireland, where McGregor seemed to inspire pride. However, the combination of his unchecked behavior and recent civil ruling has prompted many fans to re-evaluate their admiration.
McGregor first made his mark in the UFC in 2013, rising quickly from he UK’s obscurity to a global stardom, which accompanied immense financial success. However, his rise has also drawn criticism as his behavior became increasingly erratic, with observers claiming he “lost the run of himself” after earning substantial wealth and recognition.
The recent civil case has sparked broader conversations around consent and the societal treatment of sexual assault survivors in Ireland. Following the verdict, reports of increased calls to rape crisis helplines highlighted the public's engagement with the topics raised during the trial.
In a significant cultural shift, public spaces like gyms have begun to erase murals of McGregor – a sign of the changing sentiments towards the fighter. One gym owner, Gary Scully, expressed that McGregor should no longer be considered a role model following the verdict and emphasized the community's desire to disassociate with him.
The dramatic change in McGregor's public image reflects a larger societal movement in Ireland towards responding to issues of sexual violence and supporting survivors. As this narrative unfolds, many are left wondering whether McGregor can rebuild his reputation amidst this staggering fallout.
The allegations arose from a December 2018 incident at a Dublin hotel, where Hand accused McGregor of rape. While he faced similar past controversies, including multiple arrests and a conviction for assault, the verdict in Hand's civil case has instigated an unprecedented backlash from the Irish public and associated brands.
As the trial concluded, hundreds of retailers across the UK and Ireland announced the withdrawal of McGregor-related merchandise. Proximo Spirits, which acquired his Proper No Twelve whiskey brand, stated it would discontinue the use of McGregor’s name and likeness. Additionally, the gaming company IO Interactive and Ireland’s National Wax Museum also announced the end of any affiliations with McGregor.
Once viewed as a national icon who brought MMA to Ireland, the controversies surrounding McGregor's behavior have alienated his supporters. MMA journalist Petesy Carroll remarked on how the athlete's ascent to fame coincided with a period of economic hardship in Ireland, where McGregor seemed to inspire pride. However, the combination of his unchecked behavior and recent civil ruling has prompted many fans to re-evaluate their admiration.
McGregor first made his mark in the UFC in 2013, rising quickly from he UK’s obscurity to a global stardom, which accompanied immense financial success. However, his rise has also drawn criticism as his behavior became increasingly erratic, with observers claiming he “lost the run of himself” after earning substantial wealth and recognition.
The recent civil case has sparked broader conversations around consent and the societal treatment of sexual assault survivors in Ireland. Following the verdict, reports of increased calls to rape crisis helplines highlighted the public's engagement with the topics raised during the trial.
In a significant cultural shift, public spaces like gyms have begun to erase murals of McGregor – a sign of the changing sentiments towards the fighter. One gym owner, Gary Scully, expressed that McGregor should no longer be considered a role model following the verdict and emphasized the community's desire to disassociate with him.
The dramatic change in McGregor's public image reflects a larger societal movement in Ireland towards responding to issues of sexual violence and supporting survivors. As this narrative unfolds, many are left wondering whether McGregor can rebuild his reputation amidst this staggering fallout.