He’s denied visa due to ’92 rape conviction.
(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Mike Tyson’s upcoming trip to New Zealand has been shut down because his visa was cancelled due to his 1992 rape conviction. Approval of his visit was reversed after the charity, which would have benefited from his appearance, contended that it doesn’t want to be associated with the former heavyweight boxing champion.
Tyson said he was looking forward to meeting New Zealand's indigenous Maori people, the inspiration for his facial tattoo. But his speaking tour, which is scheduled in Australia for next month, is in jeopardy: Australian immigration authorities said they've yet to decide whether to let him in.
Tyson's 1992 rape conviction would normally prevent his entry in New Zealand. It could also be grounds for barring him from Australia. Just days after Prime Minister John Key spoke out against the visit, New Zealand denied Tyson's visit.
The former world boxing champ was scheduled to speak at the "Day of the Champions” in November. On Wednesday the agency continued to promote tickets for appearances in New Zealand and five major Australian cities.
The event’s promoter Max Markson said he'll continue selling tickets and will give refunds if Tyson cannot appear.
Tyson is currently recovering from neck surgery and, on a positive note, just landed a cameo in the upcoming film Scary Movie 5.
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