A man assaulted by Mike Tyson during a first-class flight in 2022 has taken legal action against the former boxing champion and JetBlue Airways. The incident was captured on video by a fellow passenger and widely shared by TMZ. It occurred on a flight from San Francisco to Florida on April 20, 2022.
Mike Tyson’s representatives explained to the Associated Press that the altercation began when a passenger behind Tyson acted aggressively, harassing him and throwing a water bottle. Tyson discussed the incident on his podcast a month later. He stated that the passenger was ‘f**king with me’ and expressed his preference to avoid flying on “public planes.”
Following the incident, the San Mateo County District Attorney decided not to press criminal charges against Tyson. The DA remarked, “It is simply a case that does not belong in the criminal court. If they want to sue each other, that’s their business.”
The passenger has been named as Melvin Townsend. In December 2023, he sought a $450,000 pre-litigation settlement to avoid going to court.
Tyson’s lawyer rejected the demand, labeling it a “shakedown payment.”
On April 19, 2024, Townsend officially filed a lawsuit with the San Mateo County Superior Court. This was just before the two-year statute of limitations for some claims expired. The lawsuit provides Townsend’s detailed account of the incident.
Townsend claims he and a friend were excited to see Tyson. They began a conversation with the boxing legend and bought drinks for themselves and Tyson.
Townsend called himself “a fan of Mr. Tyson who was happy to be speaking to one of his childhood heroes.”
The complaint alleges Tyson offered them psilocybin mushrooms, which they declined.
According to the lawsuit, Tyson was refused mushrooms by his companion whom he called his manager. His companion refused to give them to him.
The complaint says: “Suddenly and without warning or provocation, Tyson stood up from his seat, turned around, and began punching Townsend repeatedly while standing over him. Mr. Tyson punched Plaintiff numerous times in the head, face, and neck, tore the neck of Plaintiff’s shirt, and caused Plaintiff to bleed from both sides of his head.”
Tyson’s companion intervened to stop the attack, absorbing some blows himself. Townsend claims he was punched approximately ten times.
Townsend stated he could not defend himself against Tyson’s formidable strength. The complaint highlights Townsend’s resulting physical injuries and emotional distress.
The lawsuit lists seven complaints: three against Tyson for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and four against JetBlue for negligence, common carrier liability, premises liability, and negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. Townsend has requested a jury trial to determine the outcome.
Tyson’s representatives have dismissed Townsend’s claims, asserting that Townsend was the aggressor and aimed to provoke Tyson for financial gain. They linked Townsend’s legal actions to Tyson’s upcoming match against YouTube star Jake Paul.
Tyson’s representatives, firmly denied any merit to the accusations and stated: “Mr. Townsend’s multiple attempts for a pre-litigation settlement demand for injuries and damages to Mr. Tyson’s legal team are no coincidence giving the timing of Mike’s upcoming fight.”
“There is no real validity to these claims as Mr. Townsend was the initial aggressor and his tactic was to instigate Mr. Tyson on the JetBlue flight for a monetary shake down. Mr. Tyson plans to fight this and will prevail.”
As of now, JetBlue has not provided a comment regarding the lawsuit.
