RAPE CRISIS NETWORK Ireland says it does not see any “public value” in allowing former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson into the country as part of his promotional tour.
It emerged earlier this week that the retired figher — a convicted rapist — had been forced to cancel appearances in London after discovering he was banned from entering Britain.
The 47-year-old, who served three years of six-year sentence in 1992 for the rape of a teenage beauty queen, was due in the British capital as part of the tour for his autobiography ‘Undisputed Truth’. His publisher said recent changes to British immigration laws meant he was unable to travel to the country and would re-routed to Paris instead.
Tyson is due to bring his Spike Lee-directed one-man show to the Olympia Theatre in March of next year. Premium ‘meet & greet’ tickets — priced at €156 plus booking fee — have already sold out. It’s part of a wider tour that also includes dates in London, Glasgow and Manchester.
“RCNI do not see any public value in convicted rapist whose notoriety in part arises out of the crime of rape which he has committed being given access to Ireland to engage in self promotion,” spokesperson Cliona Saidlear told TheJournal.ie.
“While Mr Tyson has served his time and should be free to get on with his life as long as he is not a threat to society, the woman he raped continues to be continually publicly blamed and shamed.”
In the wake of this week’s development, the boxer said in a statement that he was “greatly disappointed” when he learned of the changes to the immigration laws, which came into effect in December of last year.
“I apologise to my fans that were inconvenienced, however, please know I am currently working diligently with the proper authorities to regain access next year for my UK tour.”
“I have a great deal of respect for the laws of the United Kingdom and will continue taking the proper steps for re-entry.”
Tyson has visited Ireland before; a crowd of around 700 paid to see him speak in Limerick’s Thomond Park last year. He also spoke of his love of Sligo during an appearance on US chat show Conan in September.
(Youtube: El Yob)
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