Hitman Developers Remove Conor McGregor Content Following Court Decision

Developer IO Interactive, known for its acclaimed Hitman series, has officially discontinued all sales related to content featuring Conor McGregor. This decision comes in the wake of a significant civil court ruling concerning allegations of sexual assault against the former UFC champion.

On November 22, a Dublin court adjudicated in favor of Nikita Hand, a woman who accused McGregor of sexual abuse occurring in December 2018. As a result of the ruling, McGregor is now required to compensate Hand with more than $250,000 in damages.

The verdict has immediate repercussions for McGregor, as IO Interactive has announced the end of their collaboration. This marks the athlete’s first major brand partnership to be dissolved following the court’s decision.

End of the Collaboration: McGregor Content Removed

Through an announcement on their official Twitter/X account, IO Interactive confirmed that the termination of their partnership with McGregor will take effect on November 25. The studio stated that all gameplay and merchandise associated with the fighter will be withdrawn “effective immediately.”

In their statement, IO Interactive emphasized, “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr. McGregor from our storefronts starting today.”

A review of IO’s YouTube channel indicates that the studio has also deleted trailers for downloadable content (DLC) featuring McGregor.

The content involving McGregor was introduced to the Hitman World of Assassination in June 2024, where he appeared as an Elusive Target in a mission dubbed The Disruptor. This free update required players to eliminate McGregor’s character before a pivotal fight.

Additionally, IO Interactive had offered a Disruptor-themed DLC pack for $4.99, which included various cosmetic items such as a fur coat, kettlebell, and resistance bands.

Prior to this incident, McGregor was not the first celebrity featured in the Hitman franchise. The studio had previously collaborated with personalities like Dimitri Vegas, a renowned DJ, and Sean Bean, known for his role in Game of Thrones, who starred in the DLC titled The Undying, released earlier in 2024.

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