Rapper Azealia Banks ignited a social media firestorm after publicizing direct messages and alleged X-rated photos sent to her by former UFC champion Conor McGregor. On July 14, 2025, Banks posted a series of screenshots to her account on X (formerly Twitter), accusing McGregor of sending unsolicited explicit images through her direct messages. The rapper's posts included searing captions criticising McGregor’s behavior and revealing his alleged threats demanding her silence. Her comments included, “How you gonna send a b**** some crooked d*** pics then threaten her not to tell? Conor McGregor, do you know who the f*** I am? This is HARAM”.

The controversy deepened as Banks shared that she and McGregor had never actually met. She mockingly referred to the MMA star as “the leprechaun,” emphasizing that the messages and nudes were entirely unsolicited and that their only contact was through these online interactions. In a particularly incendiary post, she joked, “I have never met the leprechaun but today is his birthday and he wants everyone to make a wish and blow out the candle”. The screenshots displayed messages attributed to McGregor, one message allegedly reading, “Don’t be a rat cos all rats get caught.”

Banks’ posts quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread debate and backlash from fans and observers. Many condemned the alleged acts as sexual harassment and questioned the legality and ethics behind such behavior. Banks further called out McGregor’s appearance and ambitions, jabbing, “Aren’t you trying to be the president of Ireland? Use some f***ing sunscreen, damn.” The conversation soon shifted to the broader issue of harassment in direct messages and the responsibilities of public figures.

While Banks was unapologetically vocal, McGregor’s response was notably muted. Mere hours after Banks’ revelations, he posted a simple “Happy birthday to me!” on his social media accounts, without addressing the allegations. This cryptic and cheerful message was seen by some as a deflection from the swirling controversy, while others felt it was a calculated move to shift attention away from Banks’ explosive claims. As the episode continued to trend, public scrutiny of both figures intensified, with many speculating on the next development in the ongoing online feud.