25 November 2024 , 21:03
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Conor McGregor has been axed from the popular video game franchise Hitman following his civil court case.
The Irish mixed martial arts fighter, 36, appeared in court last week, where a woman named Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages.
After losing the case, independent game developer and publisher IO Interactive has announced that all content related to McGregor will be removed this week.
In a post shared on X, Hitman officials said: ‘In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately.’
‘We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications,’ added the Danish developers.
‘Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr. McGregor from our storefronts starting today.’
IO Interactive released a statement (Picture: X)
IO Interactive has already pulled the Disruptor DLC from sale at console stores and on the Epic Games Store.
The controversial sportsman appears as an optional character in the most recent Hitman game and was not part of the initial release.
McGregor’s character was known as The Disruptor, and players had to slay him as part of the game.
Users were challenged with finding unique ways to do so, but could also spend extra in-game cash to accessorise his avatar with the likes of a virtual fur coat that mimicked one he’s famously worn over the years.
It is currently unknown whether refunds will be available for those who have already made purchases.
He first appeared in Hitman in June as part of an Elusive Target DLC mission.
Then, on November 15, he returned to the franchise for a limited-time event that was due to run until December 8.
After his court case loss, McGregor was ordered to pay at least €248,000 (£206k) in damages, a verdict he has vowed to appeal.
McGregor did not comment as he left the High Court, but later in a post on X, he said: ‘I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide.’
In a further lengthy post this weekend, he added: ‘We are not done yet. Not by a long shot. No chance. On we fight! Justice and truth will prevail! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal!’