Celebrity News

Mike Tyson banned from New Zealand

Mike Tyson has been barred from entering New Zealand because of his criminal record.

Authorities have banned the heavyweight champion, whose face tattoo is inspired by the country’s Maori people, because of his 1991 rape conviction against Desiree Washington, reports the AP. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison for the crime and served three years before being released on parole.

Tyson was scheduled to arrive in New Zealand as part of a “Downunder” speaking tour. Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson said she’d initially granted entry because part of Tyson’s speech would benefit a children’s charity, reports the AP. Wilkinson released a statement after revoking his visa, saying that they rethought the decision after the charity withdrew its support.

The ‘Downunder’ tour also includes stops in Australia, but Australian immigration authorities said they’ve yet to decide whether to allow him into the country. A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship said “I can tell you that a decision is still pending” on Tyson’s application for an Australian visa.

Sydney agency Markson Sparks, who is promoting Tyson’s tour, is continuing to sell tickets to the planned speeches in both countries, promising that money will be refunded if Tyson is forced to cancel.