Friend of Conor McGregor denies being scapegoat in rape case
Conor McGregor's friend, James Lawrence, denied being a "fall guy" in a Dublin court regarding rape allegations against McGregor. Lawrence stated he would not take the blame for another man and described his interactions with the accuser, Nikita Hand. McGregor testified he had consensual sex with Hand and claimed he was "beyond petrified" during police questioning, opting to say "no comment" to over 100 questions. He also admitted to using cocaine during the night in question. The court heard conflicting accounts of events, including Lawrence's claims about Hand's behavior and his own sexual encounters. McGregor acknowledged paying for Lawrence's legal fees but was uncertain about the details. The case is ongoing.