Media Release 12 October 2012

Tyson ban excellent outcome

Anti-sexual violence group Stop Demand, who lobbied hard over the past week for a ban on Mike Tyson’s visit, is delighted by the news that his second visa application has been denied.

“This is an excellent outcome”, says Stop Demand founder Denise Ritchie, adding “Well done, Kate Wilkinson!”

“New Zealand might be a small country but today it has spoken with a loud voice, in standing against sexual violence and denigration of women,” says Ritchie.

Over the past week, Stop Demand placed its own research on Mike Tyson before the public, the media and all Members of Parliament including Kate Wilkinson and John Key. It showed that as recently as two months ago, Tyson was publicly referring to women, including women he had harmed, as “whores, bitches and tramps”. (1) Stop Demand also drew attention to vile comments Tyson made last year on radio regarding former US governor Sarah Palin, being “boned out by a black person... pushing her guts up in the back of her head... yeehaw!” (2)

Earlier this week, Stop Demand acknowledged that as a sober vegan Tyson may have changed his attitudes towards booze and food. But as regards his attitudes towards women, “he hasn’t even made it off first base”.

Despite having this latest information in front of them, the Manukau Urban Maori Authority proceeded to lodge a letter of support for Tyson.

“A big thumbs down to the Manukau Urban Maori Authority”, says Denise Ritchie. “But a huge thumbs up to the various individuals, organisations, politicians and media commentators who added their voice in speaking out against Mike Tyson’s proposed visit. The chorus of dissent was fantastic!”

Stop Demand praises the Associate Immigration Minister, Kate Wilkinson, for her decision today.
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