Heat investigating allegations of Conor McGregor sexually assaulting woman

Content warning: This story includes allegations of sexual assault that may be difficult to read and emotionally upsetting.

The Miami Heat are investigating allegations that UFC star Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in the bathroom at the team’s home arena, Kaseya Center, the team said in a statement Thursday.

“We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation,” the Heat said. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment.” Both the NBA and UFC are also aware of the allegations. In a statement to The Athletic, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said, “We are aware of the allegations and are working with the team to gather more information.”

The UFC released the following statement to The Athletic: “The organization is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident. UFC will allow the legal process to play out before making any additional statements.”

The alleged sexual assault occurred during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets, reports TMZ Sports. McGregor participated in a halftime skit at the game promoting his Tidl Sport recovery spray, during which he punched Heat mascot Burnie twice.

According to a demand letter that was sent by the women’s lawyer, Ariel Mitchell, the woman was separated from her friend by NBA and Heat security and forced into a restroom where McGregor and his security guard were waiting, per multiple outlets that have obtained the letter. The letter alleges security wouldn’t let the woman leave the restroom or allow anyone else to enter. McGregor then exited a stall and “aggressively kissed” the woman, reports TMZ Sports.

The woman got away from McGregor by telling him that she had to urinate, but then the retired fighter forced her to perform oral sex on him. The letter says McGregor then grabbed the woman, pinned her against the wall and attempted to rape her, according to multiple reports.

After the woman elbowed McGregor multiple times to escape, she fled the bathroom and left her purse behind. In the letter, Mitchell alleges McGregor’s security guards held the woman’s purse “hostage,” and after the woman got it back, she went to local authorities, per reports.

According to the letter, the victim has contacted law enforcement. When contacted by The Athletic, a spokesperson from Miami PD said they were waiting on information from SVU, and currently, had no additional information.

Representatives for McGregor told TMZ Sports and the Daily Mail that the allegations are false.

(Photo: Jeff Bottari / Zuffa LLC)