Plane passenger who was repeatedly punched by Mike Tyson after ‘asking for a photo’ demands £350,000 payout

MIKE TYSON could have to pay out £350,000 to a man he is alleged to have assaulted on a plane last year.

The former heavyweight champion admitted he was in the wrong after reportedly punching the victim after he annoyed him on a flight departing from San Francisco, USA.

Mike Tyson admitted he was in the wrong over the alleged assault
1

Mike Tyson admitted he was in the wrong over the alleged assaultCredit: Getty
Melvin Townsend is demanding £350,000 in damages after incurring hefty medical costs after being attacked by Tyson after asking the former boxer for a photo.

A letter from Townsend’s legal representatives claims their client experienced pain in his head and neck as well as a loss of consciousness, concussion, and contusion on the head.

He also allegedly suffered nausea, headaches, depression, memory issues, sleep issues, mood disturbances, vertigo, and compromised vision in the wake of the violent incident.

Townsend was without medical insurance at the time of the incident so he claims he has had to pay out significant costs – he is still receiving treatment on his stomach and is visiting neurologist, a psychologist and a back pain specialist.

His lawyer Jake Jondle has now written a letter to Tyson’s representatives outlining their demands, and threatened a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached.

The letter reads: “If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will continue to prepare Mr. Townsend’s case for the filing of a lawsuit.”

It continues: “There is no need for a lengthy summary of the events at issue – video of Mr. Tyson repeatedly punching Mr. Townsend is widely available on the Internet. In short, it is our position that Mr. Townsend was excited to see your client on the flight, began discussing the marijuana industry and psychedelic mushrooms with him, and Mr. Tyson became annoyed.

“Mr. Tyson then reached over the seat, grabbed Mr. Townsend by the shirt collar, and proceeded to repeatedly punch him in the head.”

Tyson’s lawyer Alex Spiro rejected the call for a settlement, stating: “I have received a shakedown letter related to some instigator’s harassment of Mike a year ago and the aftermath.

“There will be no shakedown payment.”

Townsend suffered cuts to his forehead with Tyson alleging a bottle was thrown at him.

But the 57-year-old showed remorse when discussing the incident, saying: “Hey listen, I’m usually good at these things. I was wrong, that should’ve never happened.

“That’s me back in my primitive child stages, I shouldn’t of done that, but I was just irritated, tired, high, and pissed off. S*** happens.”

Related Posts

Discover everything about Jenson Button’s remarkable journey — from his fairy-tale victory as the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion to insights into his impressive net worth and enduring legacy in the world of motorsport.

Jenson Button is one of Formula 1’s most recognisable characters after winning the 2009 world championship in dramatic fashion, so here is everything you need to know…

Lewis Hamilton takes a playful jab at Mercedes’ new driver following a highly embarrassing on-track mistake, highlighting the pressure and challenges faced by the team’s recent replacement in Formula 1 competition.

Photo: © IMAGO Lewis Hamilton has mocked the F1 star who replaced him at Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, after a video from the Canadian Grand Prix’s driver parade emerged. Prior…

The FIA was left astonished when McLaren’s cleverly concealed suspension innovation was uncovered, showcasing remarkable engineering brilliance that could redefine performance standards in Formula 1 racing, shaking up the competition and leaving fans and experts alike in awe of the team’s cutting-edge technology.

McLaren’s 2025 Suspension Revolution: The Secret Behind Their Tire Mastery and Consistent Pace For months, the Formula 1 paddock buzzed with whispers and speculation as rival teams…

Brad Pitt reveals the reasons behind the light-hearted mockery directed at the F1 movie pit crew by Ferrari and Mercedes during the initial day of filming, shedding light on the humorous yet competitive atmosphere on set.

Formula 1 is taking on Hollywood with a feature film that stars Brad Pitt, and features real sequences from races in the last two years. The film…

Red Bull and Max Verstappen Engage in Intense Negotiations Amidst Approaching Critical Deadline, With Both Parties Determined to Secure a Decisive Agreement Within Days

Photo: © IMAGO An F1 legend has suggested that ‘intense’ talks have taken place between Max Verstappen and Red Bull regarding his approach to recent races. Verstappen was involved…

Daniel Ricciardo Reunites with Red Bull Racing and Formula 1 Legends in a Spectacular Gathering Celebrating Motorsport Excellence and Unforgettable Memories on the Grand Stage

Photo: © IMAGO Former F1 star Daniel Ricciardo made a surprise appearance alongside some of his former colleagues in a rare social media post. The 35-year-old was axed from the…