Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor is reportedly being investigated for so-called “hate speech” over a series of social media posts addressing last week’s riots in Dublin, Ireland.
McGregor’s comments, which condemned the Irish government’s permissive immigration policies, coincided with fiery nationalist demonstrations sparked by a foreign national stabbing women and children.
“Ireland, we are at war,” McGregor declared in one post.
Ireland, we are at war.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 22, 2023
“Do not let any Irish property be took over unannounced,” he continued in another. “Evaporate said property. It’s a war.”
Do not let any irish property be took over unannounced. Evaporate said property. It’s a war.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 22, 2023
As Valuetainment reported at the time, infuriated Irish citizens took to the streets of Dublin on Thursday night following reports of a knife attack outside a local elementary school. The attacker — reported by media outlets as an Algerian immigrant in his mid-40s but not yet identified by police — stabbed three children under the age of six, as well as two adult women. All victims survived their injuries, but most remain hospitalized as of this writing.
By 6 p.m. local time, an estimated 500 protesters converged, flying Irish flags and holding signs declaring “Irish Lives Matter.” Tensions flared as night fell, leading to confrontations with police as well as multiple acts of looting and vandalism. A tram car, a double-decker bus, and several police vehicles were set on fire as the conflict escalated.
Irish police arrested 34 of the rioters, and Garda commissioner Drew Harris told the press that the “disgraceful scenes” were caused by a “hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology.” But according to irate Irishmen like McGregor, this condemnation is further proof of their government’s misaligned priorities.
“Innocent children ruthlessly stabbed by a mentally deranged non-national in Dublin, Ireland today,” McGregor said in response to a video of Harris’ statements. “Drew, not good enough. There is grave danger among us in Ireland that should never be here in the first place, and there has been zero action done to support the public in any way, shape, or form with this frightening fact. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Make change or make way.”
Innocent children ruthlessly stabbed by a mentally deranged non-national in Dublin, Ireland today. Our chief of police had this to say on the riots in the aftermath. Drew, not good enough. There is grave danger among us in Ireland that should never be here in the first place, and… https://t.co/ac6j1GIjXD
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 23, 2023
Follow-up remarks from the former UFC champion emphasized that he does not condone the acts of violence or the assaults on law enforcement, but he understands the frustration of his countrymen. Ireland’s influx of foreign refugees and economic migrants, mirrored across the rest of Europe, has reportedly reached its highest level ever this year, with 141,000 immigrants arriving in 2023 alone.
“I do understand a move must be made to ensure the change we need is ushered in. And fast!” McGregor said. “I am in the process of arranging. Believe me, I am way more tactical and I have backing. There will be change in Ireland, mark my words.”
“If they do not act soon with their plan of action to ensure Ireland’s safety, I will,” he continued.
I do not condone last nights riots. I do not condone any attacks on our first responders in their line of duty. I do not condone looting and the damaging of shops. Last nights scenes achieved nothing toward fixing the issues we face. I do understand frustrations however, and I do… https://t.co/FFx7d0ZROb
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 24, 2023
In response to McGregor’s fierce defense of his country and harsh rebuke of his government, authorities have launched an investigation into his dissemination of “online hate speech.” This inquiry coincides with pending legislation regulating public speech law in Ireland, specifically targeting individuals who post “messages and images that stir up hatred and violence.”
The legislation could also result in people being investigated for merely possessing “hateful” photos and memes that targeted people with “protected characteristics.” These characteristics include national and ethnic origin, as well as identifying as transgender or nonbinary.
Further prohibitions against “xenophobia” would likely make anti-immigration activities, including distributing pamphlets, a punishable offense.
In June, Irish Green Party Sen. Pauline O’Reilly described the bill by saying “We are restricting freedom, but we’re doing it for the common good.”
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