Conor McGregor Under Investigation Over Sexual Assault Accusation in Ireland

In the McGregor case, some newsrooms in Ireland have barred employees at meetings from even mentioning his name in connection with the case. Managers have asked staff members to refer to him as the “famous sportsman,” according to a journalist at one of Ireland’s national newspapers.

An internal memo from the broadcaster RTE leaked into the public domain after the arrest.

The document, which appears to be the schedule for a morning radio show, was stamped “not for publication/broadcast” in capital letters and was printed on Jan. 18. It explained that McGregor had presented himself at a police station at 5 p.m. a day earlier. On the morning the memo was printed, RTE news bulletins included the story of the man being questioned but did not name him. RTE declined to comment.

The document is one of many messages linked to the case that have been spread widely on social media, via messaging applications as well as internet forums.

McGregor’s rapid rise from a destitute mixed martial arts fighter living with his mother to the U.F.C.’s most-prized asset has become one of the biggest stories in Ireland in the past decade. McGregor, who goes by the nickname Notorious when fighting, has largely enjoyed the attention, regularly taking to social media to brag and show off the trappings of his newfound wealth.

McGregor shot to wider fame in 2017 when he participated in one of the most lucrative boxing matches ever, losing to the undefeated champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

He has also been in the headlines for the wrong reasons, courting controversy since he rose to prominence four years ago. In July, he pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct, after he threw a dolly at a bus during a promotional appearance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Two fighters were injured by shattered glass.

In January, the Nevada Athletic Commission suspended McGregor from fighting for six months and fined him $50,000 for his role in a brawl that took place after his loss to Nurmagomedov in October. Nurmagomedov was barred for nine months and fined $500,000 for his role in the melee.

On March 11, McGregor was arrested in Miami Beach and charged with robbery and criminal mischief after he was accused of stealing a cellphone from someone trying to take his picture. His lawyer described the altercation as minor and said McGregor, who was released after posting bail, would cooperate with the police.