Boxing legend Mike Tyson's lawyer has assured 'there will be no shakedown' as Melvin Townsend attempts to sue his client for an altercation on a JetBlue flight last year.
The Daily Mail report Townsend is seeking £356,000 ($450,000) in damages after footage emerged of him being pummelled by the former world heavyweight champion on April 20, 2022. Townsend – who has had two stints in prison and been described as a 'criminal fraudster' – was seen harassing Tyson from the row behind before eventually pushing the 57-year-old past his limit.
Celebrity lawyer Alex Spiro – who is defending Tyson – received a letter from Townsend's representative, Jake Jondle, detailing their terms. It read: "If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will continue to prepare Mr. Townsend's case for the filing of a lawsuit."
READ MORE: Watch moment Mike Tyson 'launches flurry of punches on passenger' leaving him covered in blood
READ MORE: Mike Tyson plane punching victim could sue boxing legend after hiring lawyer
However, Tyson's team have issued a swift response asserting their confidence over the matter, which may suggest the matter will indeed go to court. It's alleged Townsend – who was 36 at the time of the incident – threw a water bottle at Tyson just prior to the veteran fighter unloading a flurry of punches.
"I have received a shakedown letter related to some instigator's harassment of Mike a year ago and the aftermath," said Spiro in response to Jondle's communication. "There will be no shakedown payment."
Do you think Mike Tyson should be forced to pay up for the plane incident? Let us know in the comments section below.
Jondle's letter asserted his client and Tyson initially engaged in friendly chatter, talking about the retired star's involvement in the 'marijuana industry and psychedelic mushrooms'. Townsend has denied ever throwing a water bottle at 'Iron Mike'.
The accuser also lists a number of medical complaints he's suffered as a result of the incident, which include 'pain in his head and neck, a loss of consciousness, concussion, a contusion on the head, nausea, headaches, depression, memory issues, sleep issues, mood disturbances, vertigo, and compromised vision'.
Join the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!
Through the app, we'll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.
To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in!
No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
"There were several remedies available to Mr. Tyson, but he chose violence," Jondle's letter continued. Tyson has previously commented he 'was wrong' for his reaction – which 'should never have happened' – but added he was "irritated, tired, high, and p****d off."
The former undisputed world heavyweight champion was previously imprisoned in 1992 after being convicted for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington. He was sentenced to six years but was paroled after serving fewer than three, going on to regain both the WBC and WBA heavyweight titles.
Source: Read Full Article