16 June 2023 , 15:18
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Police in Miami have confirmed they are investigating sexual assault allegations against Conor McGregor.
The MMA fighter has been accused of forcing a woman to perform oral sex on him and attempting to sodomize her at an NBA basketball game last week. In a statement, a spokesman for Miami Police Department told the Mirror: “MPD’s Special Victims Unit is investigating a report that was filed Sunday, June 11, 2023. This is an open investigation so no additional information can be released at this time.”
Representatives of McGregor, who is expecting his fourth child with his fiancée, have vehemently denied the allegations labelling them a "shakedown". A statement from his lawyer Barbara Llanes said: "The allegations are false. Mr McGregor will not be intimidated.”
McGregor was in attendance at the Kaseya Center for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Miami HeatA video obtained by the TMZ has been circulating and is alleged to show McGregor and the complainant.
After the film’s release, Llanes added: “After the video was released by TMZ, the claimant’s lawyer now has changed her story. Mr McGregor welcomes the investigation, which he firmly believes will show the claims against him are false.
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“After not responding to the demand for money made by the claimant’s counsel, she turned to the media to apply pressure. This is no more than a shakedown."
The NBA and Miami Heat said they were investigating the allegations the former world champion assaulted the woman. A statement from the Miami Heat said: "We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment."
UFC said it would "allow the legal process to play out" before making any additional comments. In a statement, the mixed martial arts organisation said: "The organisation is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident."
McGregor also hit the headlines for a promotional stunt with the Miami Heat mascot (AP)The complainant's lawyer said her client had provided Miami police with the clothes she was wearing at the time. The incident is alleged to have happened on the same night McGregor, 34, injured a mascot in a promotional stunt.
A Heat employee inside the costume of the team's mascot Burnie required medical attention after two punches from the fighter during a stoppage during the third quarter. The team said he received pain medication and was recovering.
McGregor, who was booed by many in the crowd, was at the match to perform the promotional piece for a pain-relief spray and hit the mascot with a left hook, punching him again after he had hit the floor. He then tried to apply the spray while Heat staff dragged the mascot off the court.
"The mascot is good," McGregor later said. "It was a skit, and all is well. I spent a lot of time with him afterward, we talked it out, everything is great. It was all part of the show!"
McGregor has not fought since injuring his left leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His last win came in January 2020.