Mike Tyson’s one-man show will not go on…at least in New Zealand.
According to the Associated Press, a New Zealand lawmaker rescinded the star boxer’s visa because of his 1991 rape conviction. Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson canceled the former Heavyweight’s visa days after Prime Minister John Key spoke out against his visit. The charity Life Education originally sponsored Tyson’s trip subsequently withdrew their support.
Tyson had been scheduled for a speaking engagement called ”Day of the Champions” in November as part of a Down Under tour and even planned to meet the indigenous Maori people who inspired his facial tattoo. Now his trip to Australia hangs in a balance.
The boxer-turned-actor was sentenced to six years in prison after raping an 18-year-old woman in an Indianapolis hotel room in 1991. He served three years before being released on parole.
A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship said on Tyson’s application, ”I can tell you that a decision is still pending.” Yikes!