The former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is now facing an accusation of rape, which has come as a huge shock to the boxing world.
Since his conviction over 25 years ago, Tyson has worked hard to rebuild his reputation as “The Baddest Man on the Planet”.
Raga Justin of Times-Union reported that the alleged incident has been made possible by the New York Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims to come forward with historical crimes.
The lawsuit is against Tyson and states that the incident happened in upstate New York in the same decade as his conviction.
Victim of Mike Tyson’s alleged rape speaks out
The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has filed the claim within the one-year window allowed by the Act which will run from November 2022 to November 2023.
The woman says she was invited to a party at an Albany nightclub called “Septembers”, which Tyson frequented during that time. She claims that Tyson assaulted her in a limousine and then proceeded to rape her after he tore off her underwear.
The victim claims to have suffered from years of mental anguish and is seeking $5 million in damages.
In an affidavit, she stated: “I know I would be attacked by the media and all of his fans. This traumatic experience has caused me everlasting damage, and I would like to preserve my privacy in this matter of a sensitive and highly personal nature.”
Tyson denies any guilt in 1991 rape case
In 1991, Tyson was convicted of rape against beauty queen Desiree Washington, but he has always denied any guilt.
In his book, Undisputed Truth, Tyson wrote: “I have not raped anyone, tried to rape anyone by any means. I’m sorry for Miss Washington as a person. I by no means meant to hurt her or do anything to her. I’m sure she knows that.”
The victim’s lawyer, Darren Seilback, said that the case was not taken lightly and that a thorough investigation was conducted to determine the credibility of the allegations.
