In light of a recent jury decision in Dublin's High Court, the National Wax Museum Plus has removed Conor McGregor's wax figure from public display, a decision that aligns with their ongoing commitment to evaluate the relevance of their exhibits. The museum stated the figure was taken down two weeks ago due to the escalating controversy surrounding the mixed martial arts star's civil trial.
On Friday, a Dublin jury found McGregor liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel incident back in December 2018, which led to a court-ordered compensation of roughly €250,000 (£206,000) for the victim. As a family-oriented venue, the museum stressed it must ensure that its displays resonate with the values of its visitors. The spokesperson noted that McGregor's statue had garnered significant attention, often featured in tourist photos.
The removal comes amid a growing backlash against McGregor, sparking several retailers to reconsider their associations with the fighter. Proximo Spirits, which owns the whiskey brand initially co-founded by McGregor, announced it would cease using his name in any marketing strategies. In a similar vein, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, including Tesco and SuperValu, have stopped selling products tied to him following the civil judgment.
Several hundred supporters marched in Dublin earlier this week, advocating for Ms. Hand and voicing frustrations over the decision by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not to pursue a criminal case against McGregor, citing insufficient evidence. Critics claim the legal system fails to hold prestigious individuals accountable, an issue further underscored by comments from Justice Minister Helen McEntee who emphasized the importance of an impartial judicial system.
As public sentiment continues to evolve, the future of McGregor's public image hangs in the balance, with many businesses reassessing their affiliations and the museum pledging to remain vigilant about its exhibit choices.
On Friday, a Dublin jury found McGregor liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel incident back in December 2018, which led to a court-ordered compensation of roughly €250,000 (£206,000) for the victim. As a family-oriented venue, the museum stressed it must ensure that its displays resonate with the values of its visitors. The spokesperson noted that McGregor's statue had garnered significant attention, often featured in tourist photos.
The removal comes amid a growing backlash against McGregor, sparking several retailers to reconsider their associations with the fighter. Proximo Spirits, which owns the whiskey brand initially co-founded by McGregor, announced it would cease using his name in any marketing strategies. In a similar vein, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, including Tesco and SuperValu, have stopped selling products tied to him following the civil judgment.
Several hundred supporters marched in Dublin earlier this week, advocating for Ms. Hand and voicing frustrations over the decision by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not to pursue a criminal case against McGregor, citing insufficient evidence. Critics claim the legal system fails to hold prestigious individuals accountable, an issue further underscored by comments from Justice Minister Helen McEntee who emphasized the importance of an impartial judicial system.
As public sentiment continues to evolve, the future of McGregor's public image hangs in the balance, with many businesses reassessing their affiliations and the museum pledging to remain vigilant about its exhibit choices.
