The civil lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, also names the Miami Heat and Basketball Properties LLC, which operates the Kaseya Center, as defendants.
The woman, a 49-year-old Wall Street vice president, alleges that McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom at the arena following Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023. She claims that McGregor was visibly intoxicated but was still served alcohol by arena staff.
The lawsuit accuses McGregor of battery and alleges that the Kaseya Center acted negligently by failing to ensure a safe environment. According to the plaintiff, McGregor led her into a restroom stall and s*xually assaulted her after an associate forcefully brought her to him.
The suit seeks over $75,000 in compensatory damages, medical expenses, and other relief.
The incident was initially reported to Miami police on June 11, 2023, but in October 2023, the Florida State Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue criminal charges. McGregor has denied the allegations, calling them a “shakedown.”
His attorney, Barbara Llanes, stated, “After almost two years and at least three lawyers, the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident this case will also be dismissed.”
The lawsuit also references a separate incident from the same night when McGregor punched the Miami Heat mascot, Burnie, during a halftime skit promoting a pain relief spray, which led to the mascot’s hospitalization.
Despite this, McGregor was reportedly continued to be served alcohol by arena staff.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Jim Dunn, emphasized that the civil suit is the only remaining option for his client to seek justice. Dunn also noted that the plaintiff’s goal is to raise awareness about s*xual assault and encourage others to report similar incidents, despite concerns about the potential impact on her career.
