DCU Students’ Union condemns Mike Tyson event in the Helix

Tyson is set to speak at the Helix tomorrow

Dublin City University Students’ Union (DCUSU) have released a statement condemning Mike Tyson’s visit to The Helix this Friday.

The now sold-out event, titled “An Evening With Mike Tyson”, is to feature the former heavyweight world champion speaking about his life, meeting fans, and auctioning sports memorabilia.

Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992 after being convicted with the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington. After serving three years, Tyson was released on parole.

DCUSU voiced their concerns about the event in a statement released today, saying “DCU Students’ Union condemns the fact that Mike Tyson, a convicted rapist, is being invited to our campus for an event in the Helix on November 2nd”.

“DCU Students’ Union is in no way affiliated with the venue, which is a commercial body in its own right,” the statement continued.

Addressing student safety and wellbeing, DCUSU also expressed their concern for “those whom this visit may affect”, and went on to add: “For any students who may be troubled by this event, there are a number of support services available to you in the University such as the Students’ Union, Student Support & Development, and the Equality Office.”

The Helix, in a statement to The Irish Sun about the event, remarked: “The vast majority of the speakers, acts and performances which take place at the venue, including the Mike Tyson Event, are engaged and booked by external third-party promoters.”

The event is to be held in the Helix’s Mahony Hall, which can hold between 1,040 and 1,222 people. VIP tickets for the event sold for €249, while standard tickets sold for €49, all of which have been sold out.

Sarah Moran

Sarah Moran is the current Head Copyeditor of Trinity News. She is also a Senior Sophister English Literature student.