‘A national embarrassment’ – Outrage over McGregor’s White House visit

Conor McGregor does not represent Ireland

Actors like Paul Mescal, Ruth Negga, Cillian Murphy, and Saoirse Ronan.

Artists like Hozier, Niall Horan, or Kneecap.

Sports stars like Katie Taylor, Ellen Keane, or Daniel Wiffen.

The last person any Irish person wanted to see represent us at the White House was Conor McGregor.

The man who was found liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in November does not represent our country. He does not deserve that platform, acknowledgment, or spotlight.

Government and public slate McGregor's White House visit

Waves of backlash came following McGregor's meeting with Trump with Leo Varadkar and Simon Harris slating the visit.

Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile.

Conor McGregor does not speak for me. He was found to be liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in the Irish high court last November. Men like that seek out their counterparts.

He’s a national embarrassment to Ireland. The Americans can keep him. pic.twitter.com/J3mXHD2a4c

— Jess Ní Mhaoláin (@Jess_NiMhaolain) March 17, 2025

Varadkar wrote: "Conor is a convicted criminal and rapist. Good Irish men teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him. Irish America- know this."

St. Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.

Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 17, 2025

Simon Harris added: "Conor McGregor is not in the US representing Ireland, he doesn’t speak for Ireland, or its people."

Broadcaster Louise McSharry added: "I am absolutely enraged over the arrogance on display by this individual who has taken it upon himself to represent us in the U.S. I know he has his fans, but I firmly believe there are more of us who are appalled by his behaviour than those who admire it.

"It somehow makes me feel a little better to say this out loud here and I thought it might make you feel better too. Lest there be any illusions, let’s tell Americans how we really feel."

It's no surprise to see someone like Donald Trump invite a man like McGregor to the White House, but the people of Ireland have made it clear that he does not represent us.

McGregor is not a reflection of our country or our people.

Ireland stands with Nikita Hand, who remains more courageous and powerful than McGregor ever will be.

A woman who bravely stood up to a man like McGregor is a truer representation of Ireland.