Multiple Companies Distance Themselves from McGregor Following Civil Rape Verdict
A wax figure of Conor McGregor has been removed from the National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin. The museum decided to take down the figure two weeks ago due to McGregor’s ongoing civil trial. The move comes after a jury at the High Court in Dublin found McGregor guilty of assaulting Nikita Hand by raping her in a hotel in December 2018. As a result of the ruling, McGregor was ordered to pay nearly €250,000 (£206,000) in damages to Ms. Hand.
In a statement, the museum explained that it regularly reviews its exhibits to ensure they align with its family-friendly values and the expectations of its visitors. The museum also mentioned that it would continue to monitor the situation and adjust its displays as needed in the future. The wax figure of McGregor had been one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, especially among tourists, with many visitors taking photos with it. A spokesperson for the museum noted that McGregor’s waxwork was featured in many online photos taken by visitors.
In the wake of the civil trial verdict, several companies have distanced themselves from McGregor. Proximo Spirits, the company behind the whiskey McGregor co-founded, Proper No. Twelve, announced it would no longer use his name and image in its marketing. The company has owned the brand since 2021. This is part of a broader trend, as Belfast bar Filthy McNasty’s has suspended the sale of McGregor’s Forged branded stout, which it helped launch in December 2023. The bar also stated it is awaiting the removal of a mural that advertises the brand.
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has also pulled McGregor-linked products from its establishments. Tesco has removed McGregor’s products from both its stores and online platforms. BWG Foods, which distributes products across its network of SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis, and XL stores, has also stopped listing McGregor’s items. Cork-based Barry Group followed suit, delisting Forged Stout and Proper No. Twelve from its Costcutter and Carry Out outlets.
Other major retailers, such as Supervalu, Centra, Daybreak, and Mace, have also removed products associated with the mixed martial arts fighter from their shelves. Irish airport operator DAA confirmed that McGregor’s whiskey has been taken off sale at both Dublin and Cork airports. These decisions reflect the companies’ commitment to maintaining a retail environment that aligns with the values of their customers and partners.
On Monday evening, hundreds of people marched through Dublin in support of Nikita Hand. The protesters expressed their concern that no criminal case had been brought against McGregor, despite the civil court’s verdict. The Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had previously informed Ms. Hand in 2020 that there was insufficient evidence to pursue a criminal case, stating there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.
Tony McGregor, the fighter’s father, had unveiled the wax figure in August 2017. Since the civil trial’s conclusion, a number of companies have publicly distanced themselves from McGregor and his associated products, reflecting the ongoing fallout from the legal case.
