UFC fighter Conor McGregor is facing accusations of sexual assault following an NBA Finals basketball game in Miami earlier this month.
According to a legal letter sent to Mr McGregor and reviewed by BBC News, the alleged assault occurred in a bathroom at Kaseya Center.
In response to the allegations, a lawyer representing Mr McGregor stated, “The allegations are false. Mr McGregor will not be intimidated.”
The City of Miami Police has confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
UFC released a statement acknowledging the allegations and stated that they are in the process of gathering additional information. The Miami Heat, the host of the NBA Finals game, also stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation.
The woman’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell, stated that her client was attending game four of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 9, prior to the alleged incident.
The legal letter sent to Mr McGregor by Ms Mitchell alleges that the woman was forcibly taken into a men’s bathroom by NBA and Miami Heat security guards before being subjected to a violent sexual assault by Mr McGregor.
The letter claims that although the woman managed to free herself from the bathroom, she left behind her purse, which she later retrieved after pleading with security guards.
The letter further alleges that the security personnel from the league, team, and arena “aided and abetted” Mr McGregor by trapping and isolating her in the bathroom.
During an interview, Ms Mitchell mentioned that she has obtained video footage that partially captures the alleged incident.
A police report relating to the incident was made on Sunday 11 June, the City of Miami Police told BBC News.
“This is an open investigation so no additional information can be released at this time,” a police department spokeswoman said.
Mr McGregor’s appearance at the NBA Finals made headlines after the Irish former champion hit the Miami Heat’s mascot during half-time, in an apparent stunt for a pain relief spray he was promoting.
The person acting as the mascot was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the incident, the Athletic reported.