Jimmy Fallon has been accused by fans of attempting to conceal his controversial interview with Conor McGregor following a wave of backlash. The late-night host, 51, faced criticism for allowing the UFC fighter, 37, to appear on his show, given McGregor's recent legal history.
McGregor's Civil Case and Backlash
McGregor was found liable in a civil case for the 2018 rape of a woman at a Dublin hotel. The jury awarded Nikita Hand €248,603 (£206,000) in damages. During the trial, a paramedic testified that Hand was among the most bruised individuals she had seen. Dr. Daniel Kane, a gynaecologist and forensic examiner, reported that Hand was shaking and crying, and had a 9cm scratch on her left breast; a tampon had become wedged inside and required forceps for removal.
After clips of the interview circulated online, social media users criticized Fallon for providing McGregor a platform. Viewers called the interview “disgusting” and berated Fallon, with one user tweeting, “Shame on @jimmyfallon.” During the segment, the studio audience clapped and cheered as Fallon reminisced about drinking with McGregor, who responded, “We’ll have to do it again!”
Fallon's Post and Fan Reactions
Following the interview, Fallon posted about a surprise stunt with Sir Paul McCartney from 2018. Fans accused him of trying to bury any links to McGregor. Comments on the Instagram post included: “Don’t want to post McGregor @jimmyfallon? Why not?” Another user asked, “No post about having Conor McGregor on the show????” A third commented, “I’m surprised to see that you’re not putting out a nice little reel with you and McGregor on here. It’s almost like… it shouldn’t have happened? Never watching your show again.”
McGregor's UFC Comeback
McGregor, nicknamed The Notorious, is set to return to the Octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11. He described his approach: “You have to be calm; you have to be composed. You have to trust your training and your discipline. There’s no hiding in the Octagon.” He expressed excitement after five years away from the sport.
Metro has contacted Jimmy Fallon for comment.
