Nikita Hand: 'I want my book to tackle the idea of the perfect victim'
Nikita Hand is poised to publish a tell-all book, in which she describes the courage and strength it took to go up against Conor McGregor in the High Court.
Ms Hand won her high-profile civil case in November 2024, in which she described being raped by the MMA fighter in the penthouse of a Dublin hotel following a Christmas night out.
McGregor had denied rape and claimed the sex was consensual – but the jury, who had been shown pictures of her battered body, disagreed and awarded her nearly €250,000 in damages.
Nikita Hand is poised to publish a tell-all book, in which she describes the courage and strength it took to go up against Conor McGregor in the High Court. Pic: Collins Courts
The mother of one and hair colourist has since seen off an appeal lodged by McGregor, and is battling to reclaim her life.
Yesterday, Hachette Books Ireland announced it is set to publish Not The Perfect Victim, which it described as ‘a courageous and ground-breaking book by Nikita Hand’.
‘Told entirely in her own words, this is a singular story of survival, truth-telling and unflinching personal bravery,’ the publisher said. ‘In it, Nikita reflects on the assault that changed her life, the failures she encountered in the search for justice, and the decision that ultimately shaped her future: to pursue a civil case against one of the world’s most high-profile athletes, Conor McGregor.’
Nikita Hand won her high-profile civil case in November 2024, in which she described being raped by the MMA fighter in the penthouse of a Dublin hotel following a Christmas night out. Pic: Hachette Ireland
It continued: ‘What follows is a story marked by fear, resilience and extraordinary personal courage, as she found herself thrust into the public spotlight, prey to a toxic online culture, and ultimately facing four punishing days on the witness stand, laying out the truth of her experience in full.’
Hachette said Ms Hand’s story was told with ‘clarity and unflinching honesty’. It said it was a ‘testament to survival, self-possession and the fight to reclaim one’s life in the aftermath of trauma’.
Ms Hand said: ‘My book is about telling my story in my own words, finding my voice and taking back my power. My hope is that it helps victims and survivors find the courage to use their voices and not be afraid to come forward. I want them to take comfort from my story, knowing that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
‘Silence protects the perpetrator, and money or power can’t be used as weapons against us. I hope my book can help change the stigma around the idea of the perfect victim – to let people know that, no matter who you are or where you come from, your voice and your story matter.’
Hachette drew a parallel between Nikita Hand’s fight for victims’ rights and that of Gisèle Pelicot, who became a feminist icon in 2024, having survived mass rapes organised by her husband at their home in southern France. She has also published her memoirs about her trial and spoken about how ‘shame must change sides’.
Hachette said: ‘Nikita does exactly that, refusing to carry what was never hers to bear. In sharing the full reality of her experience, she shows that no survivor owes perfection, only the truth of their journey. Her voice will resonate far beyond this publication.’
Not The Perfect Victim, by Nikita Hand with Kathryn Rogers, will be published by Hachette Books Ireland on September 22, priced at €17.99.
