A waxwork of UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been removed from public display at the National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin. This decision comes in the wake of a civil case in which McGregor was found liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand. The museum, known for its family-friendly exhibits, announced that it had removed the figure two weeks ago, reflecting its commitment to aligning with the values of its visitors and its regular review of displays. The decision follows the High Court’s verdict that McGregor assaulted Ms. Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, leading to a civil award of nearly €250,000 in damages for the victim.
The wax sculpture of McGregor had been one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, especially with international tourists. It had even become a fixture in photos taken by visitors, showcasing the fighter’s iconic status. McGregor’s father, Tony McGregor, had unveiled the statue in August 2017, further cementing the fighter’s celebrity status in Ireland. However, the museum’s decision to remove the figure is indicative of the broader repercussions McGregor faces following the court ruling.
The fallout from McGregor’s civil case verdict has extended beyond the museum. Several businesses and companies associated with the fighter have distanced themselves from his image and products. In the wake of the ruling, Proximo Spirits, the company that owns the whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve, announced it would no longer feature McGregor’s name or likeness in its marketing. This marks a significant departure, as McGregor co-founded the brand before it was sold in 2021.
Similarly, a number of Irish establishments and retailers have taken steps to sever ties with the fighter’s products. The Belfast bar Filthy McNasty’s, which had launched McGregor’s Forged branded stout in December 2023, stated it would suspend sales of the drink, while a mural promoting the brand would be removed from the bar’s exterior. JD Wetherspoon, a well-known pub chain, also removed McGregor-associated products from its outlets.
The retail impact has been wide-reaching. Major grocery chains, including Tesco, Supervalu, and Centra, have pulled McGregor’s products from shelves. Supermarket groups like Musgrave and BWG Foods also joined in, removing McGregor’s whiskey and stout from their networks of stores. The Barry Group, which oversees Costcutter and Carry Out, echoed the sentiment, saying the move was in line with its goal of maintaining a retail environment that aligns with customer values.
The backlash against McGregor extends to Irish airports, where DAA, the airport operator, confirmed that Proper No. Twelve whiskey was removed from sale at Dublin and Cork airports. This collective response highlights the growing public distaste for McGregor following the civil case outcome.
Meanwhile, protests in Dublin have also emerged, with hundreds of people marching in support of Ms. Hand. The demonstrators voiced concerns over what they perceive as the Irish state’s failure to pursue a criminal case against McGregor. While the civil case resulted in a ruling against McGregor, criminal charges would require a higher burden of proof, which led the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to determine in 2020 that there was insufficient evidence to charge McGregor. Ms. Hand, however, has contested the DPP’s decision, suggesting that McGregor’s fame may have influenced the lack of prosecution.
The protests and the public’s reaction reflect the broader debate about accountability, celebrity, and justice. The Irish justice system’s independence was defended by outgoing Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, who remarked that the system operates free from political interference.
McGregor’s case has sparked intense public debate about how to reconcile fame with accountability, particularly as several organizations distance themselves from his image. The removal of his waxwork, alongside business actions, signals a shift in public sentiment, forcing McGregor to contend with the consequences of the court ruling and the ongoing social and professional repercussions.
