Conor McGregor set to marry Dee Devlin in Vatican ceremony
Conor McGregor is set to wed his long-term partner Dee Devlin at a historic Vatican church today, according to sources within the Holy See, reports BritPanorama.
The ceremony will reportedly take place at the Chiesa di Santo Stefano degli Abissini, a small church located near St Peter’s Basilica along the path to the Vatican Gardens.
The mixed martial arts fighter, 37, and Ms Devlin, 38, have four children together. Their relationship spans 17 years, beginning in 2008, with McGregor proposing in August 2020 just prior to her 33rd birthday.
Despite optimism about the wedding, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni earlier this week indicated he lacked knowledge of any arrangements involving the couple. However, reports claim that insiders have confirmed the church had been reserved for the nuptials.
Concerns have been raised within the Vatican regarding the appropriateness of hosting McGregor, especially following a civil trial verdict last year in Dublin’s High Court, where a jury found him liable for raping Nikita Hand at a hotel in 2018. Ms Hand was awarded nearly €250,000 in damages, with McGregor also ordered to cover legal costs estimated at around €1.3 million.
Throughout the legal proceedings, McGregor denied the allegations, maintaining that the encounter was consensual, but the court rejected his account. Following a Garda investigation, Irish prosecutors decided in 2019 against bringing criminal charges, leading Ms Hand to pursue civil action instead.
This month, Ireland’s Supreme Court dismissed McGregor’s bid to overturn the verdict, determining that he received a fair hearing and refusing further appeal.
In a statement released through her solicitors, Ms Hand described the Supreme Court’s decision as “a victory for the justice system,” noting the prolonged and painful journey she and her loved ones have experienced. She expressed gratitude to those who supported her, particularly medical professionals and legal advocates.
Ms Devlin, who has vocally supported McGregor throughout the legal turmoil, remarked last year that they had dealt with the issues privately and emerged stronger, highlighting their four children as a testament to their resilience.
McGregor has previously acknowledged the pivotal role Devlin has played in his career, stating, “Dee is a lifesaver for me. I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for her.”
In the context of a wedding shadowed by controversy, one can’t help but reflect on the intertwined nature of personal lives and public scrutiny. In the world of sport and celebrity, what is celebrated can often be accompanied by a jab of disruption, a reminder of the complexities at play.
