Mike Tyson to not face charges over video showing him punching plane passenger

Mike Tyson seen at Los Angeles Premiere of Summit Entertainment's 'Draft Day,' on Monday, April 7, 2014 in Westwood, CA. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Summit Entertainment/AP Images)

Last month's footage of Mike Tyson hitting a fellow first-class passenger aboard an aircraft at San Francisco International Airport will not result in criminal charges.

Based on "the circumstances surrounding the confrontation," the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office stated that it had closed the investigation and decided not to pursue charges against the former world heavyweight champion.

"These include the conduct of the victim leading up to the incident, the interaction between Mr Tyson and the victim, as well as the requests of both the victim and Mr Tyson that no charges be filed in this case," District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said in a statement on Tuesday.

Previously, police stated that the victim had supplied little information regarding the altercation and refused to participate in the inquiry.

Mr. Tyson's representatives previously stated that the boxer was on a flight with "an aggressive passenger who began harassing him and threw a water bottle at him while he was in his seat."

The April 20 video depicts Mr. Tyson bending over the seatback and repeatedly punching an unidentified individual in the head, drawing blood.

The video was initially released by TMZ, which claimed it was captured on a Jet Blue flight going for Florida.

On the footage, before the physical altercation, the other passenger was seen standing over Mr. Tyson's seat, waving his arms and speaking animatedly, while the former boxer sat quietly.

The attorneys representing Mr. Tyson complimented law enforcement for their "careful, diligent and professional work."

Since retiring from boxing at age 55, Mr. Tyson has worked as an actor, podcaster, and cannabis entrepreneur.

HIn April, he was reportedly in Golden Gate Park for the annual 420 cannabis event.

In 1987, at age 20, Mr. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

His career consisted of 50 victories, of which 44 were by knockout.

In the 1990s, he was sentenced to three years in prison for rape.

In this case, he has maintained his innocence.

After notoriously biting off a portion of Evander Holyfield's ear during their 1997 fight, Mr. Tyson was temporarily banned from boxing.

Publish : 2022-05-11 07:06:00

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