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'Hosting a man who has never shown a shred of remorse for his actions or empathy for his victim, minimises and trivialises the impact of sexual violence.'
Conor McGregor appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Picture: YouTube/The Tonight Show
The woman whom a civil jury found was assaulted by Conor McGregor has welcomed high-profile criticism of US talk show host Jimmy Fallon after he welcomed the MMA fighter as a guest on his programme last week.
McGregor's appearance on Mr Fallon's show sparked a wave of criticism online, with a number of high-profile stars questioning why he was being given a major television platform.
The backlash follows a High Court civil case in Dublin in which a jury found that McGregor had assaulted Nikita Hand. McGregor has denied wrongdoing.
Among those to speak out was singer Pink, who wrote that "men still get platforms and are treated like celebrities", despite the findings of the civil jury.
Actress Christina Ricci also criticised the appearance on the top US show. She wrote: "Why the absolute f**k is this piece of human garbage being given a platform on Jimmy Fallon's show? Shame on you, Jimmy."
The post she shared referenced evidence heard during the civil proceedings last year, including testimony relating to injuries sustained by Ms Hand.
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Ms Hand later shared messages of support from some of those who had publicly backed her.
Responding to Pink's comments online, she wrote: "Thank you, Pink. These are the types of famous people who we should be following, famous women and men who support victims."
The controversy has reignited the debate about how broadcasters and entertainment programmes approach guests who have been involved in serious legal cases.
Critics argue that such appearances risk overlooking findings made in cases involving violence against women, while others maintain that television programmes retain editorial discretion over their guest bookings.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre also criticised the decision to feature McGregor on the programme.
CEO Rachel Morrogh told the Irish Examiner: "We were surprised and very disappointed that Conor McGregor appeared on Jimmy Fallon's show.
“Hosting a man who has never shown a shred of remorse for his actions or empathy for his victim, minimises and trivialises the impact of sexual violence.
"We and all other organisations working to prevent sexual violence and support victims and survivors see this impact daily, and it is so dispiriting that someone with Jimmy's profile would have Mr McGregor as a guest."
Broadcaster NBCUniversal, which airs Fallon's programme, did not respond to questions from the Irish Examiner about the criticism surrounding McGregor's appearance.
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