A man is demanding $450,000 from Mike Tyson after the boxer punched him several times during a flight on a JetBlue airliner. The American celebrity’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, compares this request to “extortion”.
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Melvin Townsend’s lawyer, Jake Jondle, writes that his client was “viciously attacked” by the former world boxing champion and suffered “considerable injuries and damages”, according to information relayed by the New York Post .
“The potential (of the boxer) to cause serious injury is indisputable,” says Mr. Townsend’s representative in his letter.
“Several options were available to Mr. Tyson, but he chose to use physical violence,” he continues.
The star also declared during a television interview that he “was wrong” to act in this way and that this event “should never have happened”.
“Severe headache and neck pain”
The letter sent by the lawyer explains that the complainant is still suffering the consequences of the event.
“Immediately following the incident, Mr. Townsend had a severe headache and neck pain” and “still suffers from the effects of this attack to this day,” Mr. Jondle wrote.
Capture taken from YouTube | TMZ
The media coverage of the incident would also have caused the loss of “several job opportunities”.
The six-figure settlement would pay for Mr. Townsend’s medical expenses following the assault for medication, therapy and other treatments for head and neck pain as well as to treat the depression and post-traumatic syndromes according to the lawyer’s letter.
This amicable agreement would allow the boxer to avoid legal action according to the writings of the plaintiff’s representative.
“Extortion demand”
The boxer’s lawyer was, however, clear: “there will be no payment following this extortion demand,” he replied according to the New York media.
The incident took place on a flight between San Francisco and Florida in April 2022.
Capture taken from YouTube | TMZ
In a first video, “Iron Mike” appeared to be greatly disturbed by the turbulent passenger. He then stood up and repeatedly punched the occupant of the seat behind him.
In a second clip, we can see that the man who was attacked had blood on the side of his face.
