Just a day after announcinghis retirement from mixed martial arts, former UFC championConor McGregorhas been named as the man at the center of a sexual assault investigation in his native Ireland.
According to a story published Tuesday in theNew York Times, a woman is claiming McGregor assaulted her at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin in December.
Conor McGregor.
She did not make a formal complaint to police until an acquaintance did so on her behalf, theIrish Timesreported.
In a statement to PEOPLE, McGregor’s spokeswoman said the 30-year-old fighter’s retirement is not tied to the alleged investigation.
“This story has been circulating for some time and it is unclear why it is being reported now,” Kessler said in a statement to PEOPLE. “The assumption that the Conor retirement announcement today is related to this rumor is absolutely false.”
Conor McGregor mugshot from March 2019.
She added: “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.”
Irish police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The news of an alleged investigation into McGregor comes the morning after he suddenly announced his retirement from MMA.
“Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as ‘Mixed Martial Art’ today,” McGregor tweeted on Monday night. “I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition. I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement. Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!”
The surprise announcement came hours after a pre-taped interview onThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallonaired, in which he spoke of possibly fighting in July.
“My next fight, we’re in talks for July. So we’ll see what happens, a lot of politics been going on,” he told Fallon. “The fight game is a mad game. But again, like I said, and to my fans, I am in shape, and I am ready. So let’s see what happens.”
The UFC star, who previously announced his retirement in April 2016 before making a return, noted that his accomplishments have already set him up for life.
“I’ve done a lot, I’ve fought a lot, I’ve never pulled out of contests. You know, I’ve gone through some crazy injuries and crazy external situations that many a man would sprint for the hills if it happened to them,” he said.
“But I’ve stood firm, I’ve done my piece for the company. So I am in a position now… I don’t necessarily need to fight,” he continued. “I am set for life, my family is set for life, we are good. But I am eager to fight. You know, so we’ll see what happens. I’m just staying ready.”
Earlier this month, McGregorwas arrested in Miami Beachafter he allegedly damaged, then stole the phone of a fan attempting to take a photo with him. He was charged with strong-arm robbery and criminal mischief after the incident atthe Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
“Last evening, Conor McGregor was involved in a minor altercation involving a cell phone that resulted in a call to law enforcement,” McGregor’s defense attorney, Sam Rabin, toldESPN. “Mr. McGregor appreciates the response of law enforcement and pledges his full cooperation.”
He is scheduled to be arraigned on April 10.
source: people.com
