‘Conor McGregor is idolised and trolls say I deserved intercourse assault – ladies are scared to talk’

A woman once told by a troll that she “deserved” her sexual assault has slammed the people continuing to idolise Conor McGregor online.

The disgraced UFC star was found responsible for assaulting a woman in a civil court rape case. Nikita Hand, who has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages, accused the fighter of choking and raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Despite his reputation being in tatters in Ireland, McGregor, 36, is still being worshipped by some on social media, while his partner slammed the victim in a furious rant.

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Reactions like this have been particularly triggering for Jodie Weston – a sexual assault survivor who found fame after appearing on Channel 5s Rich Kids Go Skint six years ago.

But in February 2019, she found herself on her way to a DJ gig in Ilford, East London. She was approached by a man from behind who grabbed her bum, hip, thigh and all over her left side with force before biting her face. She said she feared would be murdered or raped and the man only sprinted away after she screamed.

She spoke publicly about the horror incident – only to be told it was “her own fault” by online trolls who shockingly said she shouldn’t have her “body on show” as much.

Now reacting to how McGregor is being treated on social media, she told the Daily Star: “It’s been very triggering to anyone who’s ever been sexually assaulted to see the outpouring of support for McGregor online.

“There’s always a sense of victim blaming and while I understand he is going to appeal the decision and he wasn’t found guilty in criminal court, at the end of the day you have to respect the decision of the civil court and at this point, there shouldn’t be any sympathy towards him.”

Jodie, who is now a mum and successful DJ, continued: “I think there is victim shame for sure, especially towards females and I know from other friends who have been through similar experiences, they’re scared to speak out because they’re so anxious about the backlash and wonder if it is worth the emotional turmoil they are going to face.”

The former reality TV star believes the McGregor case proves victim blaming is still rife and she acknowledged that she even questioned her own actions after being assaulted.

Opening up, she said: “It was down a dark alleyway and done by a complete stranger who was literally hiding in the shadows behind a corner and waiting for someone to attack.

“I just happened to be the unlucky girl that walked past but you still question everything and ask yourself, ‘did I do something wrong… why did I go down that path… why did I take the gig when I knew the area wasn’t that safe’?

“When in fact, it is not your fault at all, instead of blaming the person who has done the assault.”

Earlier this week, hundreds of people took to the streets of Dublin to show support to Nikita Hand and to raise awareness about male violence against women.

One poster read “shame must change sides” while another encouraged the public to “believe survivors”.

McGregor meanwhile blasted Ms Hand on social media after the ruling and labelled her a “liar” while branding the trial a “kangaroo court”.

Since then, video game company IO Interactive have removed content featuring McGregor while major UK and Ireland retailers, like Tesco, are halting sales of alcoholic products linked to him. His whiskey brand Proper No.12 will also cease to include his involvement.