MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Fans support Mike Tyson as co-flyer demands $450K over in-flight confrontation, former boxer's lawyers call it 'shakedown'

In a letter to Alex Spiro, who represents Mike Tyson, Melvin Townsend's attorney demanded a settlement of $450K in exchange for Townsend not filing a lawsuit

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Melvin Townsend, the JetBlue flight passenger punched by Mike Tyson on April 20, 2022, during a Florida-bound flight, is seeking a $450,000 settlement, reported Daily Mail.

In a letter to Alex Spiro, who represents Tyson, Townsend's attorney Jake Jondle demanded the payment in exchange for Townsend not filing a "future lawsuit."

"If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will continue to prepare Mr Townsend's case for the filing of a lawsuit," wrote Jondle.

Responding to the demand, Mike Tyson's attorney called the letter a "shakedown."

" 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," Spiro said.

Melvin Townsend's attorney claims Mike Tyson chose violence

In the viral video, the former professional boxer was seen repeatedly pouncing a man on the flight. Later, it was revealed that Townsend continuously pestered Tyson until he lost his patience.

The 57-year-old also alleged that the co-passenger threw a water bottle at him, which Townsend outrightly denied.

Jondle, in the letter, claimed that his client was beaten for no particular reason.

"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," he wrote.

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

Jondle also included a list of medical costs of Townsend's treatment for "pain in his head and neck," and "nausea, headaches, depression, memory issues, sleep issues, mood disturbances, vertigo, and compromised vision."

He had to visit a neurologist, a psychologist, and a back pain specialist to treat these issues caused by Tyson's punching.

"There were several remedies available to Mr Tyson, but he chose violence," read the letter.

San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen M Wagstaffe decided not to pursue charges against Tyson weeks after the violent interaction.

Internet feels Melvin Townsend provoked Mike Tyson

Amid the latest development in the issue, users on social media are supporting the former boxer. Many opined that he was innocent and that Townsend asked for the punch.

One user said, "He was deliberately provoking Tyson. This should have never been allowed to happen on the flight for starters, and Tyson shouldn't owe him a penny."

Another user had shared a similar opinion, saying, "It seems deliberate. He looks like he was just trying to make trouble for a payout."

"Tyson is innocent of being harassed and taunted by this punk loser. He got what he deserved and the only thing this guy should get is jail time," said a third user.

A fourth user asked, "So, you can accost someone and not expect any repercussions now?"

One user stated, "The world witnessed a lowlife persistently provoking Mr. Tyson (knowing exactly who he is) in the expectation of an altercation, from which a lawsuit could be spawned. The courts must put an end to these meritless lawsuits; or risk losing credibility entirely."

"He was asking for it, he got it and now he wants to extort money," read another reaction.

Another added, "Maybe dude should've thought about that before harassing Mike Tyson."