Former world boxing champion Mike Tyson is facing a lawsuit for allegedly assaulting a California man on an airplane two years ago. Melvin Townsend, the alleged victim, has filed a civil lawsuit after Tyson refused to pay his demand for $450,000. The incident reportedly took place on a JetBlue flight from San Francisco to Fort Myers, Florida.
Townsend’s lawyers sent a letter to Tyson’s attorney in late November 2023, requesting the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. However, Tyson’s attorney dismissed the demand as a “shakedown payment” and stated that they would not be making any payments to Townsend.
The lawsuit, filed on April 19 in San Francisco County Court, seeks damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the alleged assault. JetBlue is also named as a defendant in the complaint for failing to prevent the altercation.
The incident allegedly occurred on April 19, 2022, when Tyson, who was returning from a cannabis festival, was seated in first class on a JetBlue flight. A video of the incident shows Tyson punching Townsend, who was seated in the row behind him, without provocation.
Tyson’s attorneys claim that Townsend was intoxicated and threw a water bottle at Tyson, prompting the altercation. Both men were questioned by police after exiting the aircraft, and no criminal charges were filed.
In addition to this lawsuit, Tyson is scheduled to fight Jake Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix and marks Tyson’s return to the ring against the social media star turned boxer.
According to reports, Townsend has a criminal history that includes charges related to drug possession, burglary, fraud, and trafficking stolen property.
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