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In a reversal, Mike Tyson has been denied entry to the country
whose indigenous Maori people he says inspired his facial
tattoo.
Article continues below …
New Zealand authorities on Wednesday cancelled an entry visa for
the former heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist, days
after the prime minister spoke out against his planned visit.
The Las Vegas celebrity had earlier been granted an exemption to
New Zealand immigration rules to speak at a November charitable
event, ”Day of the Champions.” Tyson’s 1992 rape conviction would
have normally made him ineligible to enter the country.
Speaking to the APNZ news agency this week before his visa was
cancelled, Tyson said his tattoo was inspired by New Zealand’s
indigenous Maori culture. In pre-European times, many Maori wore
elaborate facial tattoos as a sign of their status in their tribe.
Some Maori today who identify strongly with their traditional
culture get similar tattoos.
”Other than that I’ve never heard of Maori people, so I’m
looking forward to come down there and see them,” he told the
agency.
Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson said in a
statement Wednesday that the original decision to let Tyson enter
was ”a finely balanced call” and that the charity that would have
benefited from his visit had now withdrawn its support.
Prime Minister John Key spoke out against the planned visit this
week, questioning the decision by immigration authorities and
saying he personally disapproved.
Before his visa was cancelled, Tyson told APNZ: ”Fortunately, I
am coming to New Zealand and there’s nothing they can do about it
and I’m so sorry, I’m sorry they feel disappointed and I’m just
living my life.”
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