Nikita Hand thanks singer Pink for support as she criticises Conor McGregor appearance on US Tonight Show

Singer Pink and actress Christina Ricci have criticized Conor McGregor’s recent appearance on The Tonight Show. The backlash follows a 2024 civil jury finding that McGregor raped Nikita Hand, who thanked Pink on Instagram for supporting victims on June 24, 2026.

Why are celebrities criticizing Conor McGregor’s TV appearance?

Singer-songwriter Pink used social media to question why men continue to receive celebrity platforms after such findings. She posted an image of Nikita Hand alongside a photo of McGregor on Jimmy Fallon’s show, writing, “You ask why women don’t report rape? They do. But men still get platforms and are treated like celebrities.”

Actress Christina Ricci also criticized the appearance by reposting a story from entrepreneur Adam McRae. McRae’s post described the brutality of the assault and questioned why McGregor was given a platform on Fallon’s program, calling the fighter “this piece of human garbage.”

According to the report, the program focused on McGregor’s potential return to the UFC. It made no mention of the 2024 civil finding that McGregor raped Ms. Hand at the Beacon Hotel in South Dublin.

Did You Know? A civil jury consisting of four men and eight women found McGregor liable for the rape of Nikita Hand, awarding her €248,603.60 in general and special damages.

What was the legal outcome of the Nikita Hand case?

Nikita Hand, a former hair colourist from Dublin, alleged she was raped by McGregor in a penthouse suite on December 9, 2018. The civil jury sided with Hand, accounting for her loss of current and future earnings in the damages award.

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McGregor attempted to appeal the decision and sought to take the matter to the Supreme Court. Late last year, the Supreme Court refused the application, stating it was “not satisfied that any matter of general public importance arises in this application justifying an appeal to this Court.”

The Court further noted that McGregor had already received a fair hearing and a full appeal to the Court of Appeal. This decision effectively ended the legal battle for Ms. Hand.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension here lies in the gap between civil liability and public perception. When entertainment platforms prioritize a celebrity’s professional comeback over a court-verified finding of assault, it may signal to victims that legal victories do not necessarily result in social accountability.

When is Nikita Hand’s memoir being released?

Nikita Hand is set to release her memoir, titled Not the Perfect Victim, on September 22 of this year. The book will be the first time she has spoken comprehensively about her experiences since the High Court case and McGregor’s failed appeal.

Publishers Hachette Ireland described the work as a “courageous and groundbreaking book” and a “singular story of survival, truth telling and unflinching personal bravery.” The book is currently available for pre-order.

Given the current public reaction, the book’s release may further intensify the debate over celebrity platforms and victim support. Future discussions could focus on how networks vet guests with civil liability findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the title of Nikita Hand’s upcoming book?
The book is titled Not the Perfect Victim.

When did the alleged assault take place?
The assault occurred on December 9, 2018, at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford.

How much was awarded to Nikita Hand in damages?
A civil jury awarded her €248,603.60 in general and special damages.

How should television networks handle the appearance of guests with civil liability findings for violent crimes?