Details of the alleged Mike Tyson vs. Paparazzi attack have surfaced….
The word is that Tyson was at a ticket counter at the United Airlines terminal when the incident occurred. The photographer got punched in the face, hit the ground, got up and began walking, leaving a trail of blood. An LAPD spokesperson said the photographer suffered a minor laceration to the forehead. Someone at the scene tells TMZ … the photographer got very close to Tyson before the boxer struck him. Our guy on the scene says there’s blood on the ground and Mike was taken away in a squad car. We’re told an ambulance was dispatched at 4:39 PM to LAX — we’re told the paparazzo was transported to a local hospital.
UPDATE: Tyson’s rep says he was traveling with his 10-month old daughter when he was attacked by an overly aggressive paparazzi — adding the boxer acted in self-defense to protect his child. (TMZ)
Police authorities have also confirmed the incident.
The photographer, who was not immediately identified, also was arrested. He suffered a cut to his forehead and was taken to a hospital. It was not known if Tyson was hurt. “There’s a lot of different versions to the story,” Los Angeles Airport Police Sergeant Jim Holcomb said. “That’s all going to come out later. But in this particular case, both individuals are going to be pressing charges for battery.” (Reuters)
Tyson reportedly attacked in self defense.
Tyson claims the photographer pushed him in an attempt to provoke the boxer, while the paprazzi claims “Iron Mike” struck him in the face and tried to take his film, a source told the Times. (New York Daily News)
The event reportedly took place Wednesday afternoon.
Former boxer Mike Tyson was detained at Los Angeles International Airport this afternoon after getting into an altercation. The incident occurred at Terminal 7. A law enforcement source told The Times that both Tyson and an unidentified photographer traded accusations about the altercation. Los Angeles airport police are now interviewing both Tyson and the photographer. (Los Angeles Times)