Just weeks after Mike Tyson was recorded punching a passenger on a flight departing from San Francisco International Airport, officials have announced that no criminal charges will be filed against the former pro boxer.
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office said that the decision was made due to “the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.”
“These include the conduct of the victim leading up to the incident, the interaction between Mr. Tyson and the victim, as well as the requests of both the victim and Mr. Tyson that no charges be filed in this case,” San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said in a statement provided to media outlets.
The passenger hit by Tyson was also uncooperative with police during their investigation, police said.
Sarah Burchfield, a Berkeley resident on the flight, told SFGATE that she had spotted the man who was hit before boarding the flight.
“When I boarded the flight, I thought, ‘Oh no, that drunk guy is on our flight,’” she said.
She later added, “The belligerent guy was sitting right behind him and I saw they were interacting.”
Tyson, who has a history of abusive behavior and was convicted of rape in 1992, was in attendance at Golden Gate Park for its regular 420 cannabis festival. He was promoting his cannabis brand Tyson 2.0.
He holds the record as the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title and held the title as world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
