Hands quivering, voice shaky, Nikita Hand faced dozens of cameras, microphones and a crowd waiting to hear what she had to say.
She had just won her claim against beloved Irish fighter, Conor McGregor, where a jury delivered a verdict on the civil court case, that McGregor sexually assaulted Nikita in December 2018.
It took six years for Nikita to have her story heard before a court. Eight days of evidence, three days of closing speeches, six hours of jury deliberation. A hairdresser, and a mother-of-one, up against one of the highest paid athletes in the world. But at last, justice has been served.
Nikita described the last six years as a “nightmare”, and thanked everyone who stood by her side throughout the whole ordeal. But Nikita gave a special thank you to her daughter, Freya.
“She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” Nikita said.
“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.”
Nikita told the court that when McGregor was assaulting her – pinning her to the bed in the Dublin hotel room and placing her in an MMA-style chokehold while he raped her – she thought she’d never see her daughter again.
But Nikita survived and found the courage to bring justice against the man who forever changed her life.
Put simply by her senior counsel, John Gordon, Nikita Hand will “always be a marked woman” for standing up to McGregor.
McGregor, a professional boxer and MMA fighter who is worth an estimated $200 million USD ($306m AUD), has already said he is planning to appeal the verdict and the order for him to pay Nikita more than €248,000 ($397,623 AUD).
He’s not the first high-profile man to be accused of sexual assault. And Nikita is not the first “marked woman” – dragged through a process and a system that is designed to protect men, and throw women to the wolves.
Think Amber Heard accusing Johnny Depp of domestic violence, and the online campaign that discredited her voice entirely. Think Australian NRL player Jarryd Hayne, whose accuser went through three criminal trials – a fourth on the horizon – just to see the man walk free. He might even return to playing rugby league in the future, business as usual.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, R Kelly, Harvey Weinstein, Danny Masterson, Donald Trump – these are all men who are adored by the masses, idolised and placed on a pedestal no one could ever reach.
We owe everything to any and every woman who speaks up and speaks out about sexual assault. It is always a David and Goliath battle. But it’s women like Nikita Hand who show us it is possible to hold men to account – no matter who they are.
“To all the victims of sexual assault,” Nikita told reporters after the verdict, “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice, and keep on fighting for justice.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.