MMA fighter War Machine faces court over charges against porn star girllfriend Christy Mack
After much deliberation, a US judge has ruled that jurors will be allowed to hear that porn star Christy Mack spoke about “rape fantasies” before her former partner allegedly beat and sexually assaulted her.
The Mixed Marital Artist and Ultimate Fighting Champion professional, Jonathan ‘War Machine’ Koppenhaver, is accused of brutally raping and beating Christine Mackinday on two separate incidents in May 2013 and August 2014.
He stands accused of leaving Ms Mackinday with a ruptured liver, 18 broken bones, a broken nose, missing teeth and a fractured rib.
Lawyers for Koppenhaver, who legally changed his name to War Machine, previously argued that he should be acquitted as his alleged victim had “the desire, the preference” for sexual activities that “were outside the norm”.
In the final pre-trial hearings, it was heard that Koppenhaver repeatedly claimed “real men rape”, a slogan that he would say repeatedly, albeit jokingly, to Ms Mackinday.
"Because she consented to those acts through her course of employment does not mean the defendant is then entitled to think he can do that to her," Chief Deputy District Attorney Jacqueline Bluth said during pre-trial hearings.
"You can't make that leap."
Koppenhaver’s behaviour during the court proceedings has come under fire after he blew a kiss at the prosecuting attorney Jacqueline Bluth and smiled as Ms Mackinday spoke of her ordeal.
If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual or domestic abuse, don't suffer in silence.
Call 1800 RESPECT any time of day or night.
Call Lifeline which offers 24-hour support in your state on 131 114
For children and young people, call the free support line on 1800 551 800
Adults Surviving Child Abuse: 1300 657 380
Survivors and Mates Support Network: 02 8355 3711
ASCA (Adults Surviving Child Abuse): 1300 657 380 www.asca.org.au
