In 1991, Desiree Washington, who was crowned Miss Black Rhode Island, became widely known in the print media after alleging that Mike Tyson, the world heavyweight boxing champion, had assaulted her.
Her name has been in the spotlight again after she openly discussed the incident in the ABC documentary “Mike Tyson: Knockout”.
During one of the most infamous celebrity trials in American history, former Miss Black America contestant, Desiree Washington, testified against Mike Tyson, accusing him of r*ping her on July 19, 1991.
Who Is Desiree Washington?
Born in 1973 in Coventry, Rhode Island, Desiree Washington represented Rhode Island as Miss Black America in the 1991 competition in Indianapolis when she was 18 years old and a college student.
Washington and her three siblings were all raised in Rhode Island by her parents, Donald and Mary Washington.
She graduated from Coventry and pursued further studies in psychology at Providence College.
Desiree experienced added struggles when her parents, Mary and Donald Washington, ended their 17-year marriage in 1992.
Additionally, Desiree faced an accusation from her ex-boyfriend, claiming she had lied about being r*ped by him following a consensual encounter when she was 16 years old.
She denied the accusation. It was reported in 1995 that Desiree lived in a working-class area of East Providence, Rhode Island, unlike her previous residence in a small village south of Providence.
In March 1995, Desiree was a senior psychology major at Providence College, set to receive her diploma in May of the same year. Her committed relationship at the time ended after meeting her boyfriend’s family.
Her current relationship status is unknown.
Keeping her private life secret, Desiree’s professional life remains largely unknown, with unconfirmed rumors suggesting she is now a teacher.
What Happened To Her?
Washington participated in the 1991 Miss Black America Pageant, representing Rhode Island. She alleged that Tyson brought her to his room at the Canterbury Hotel on July 19, 1991, where she was assaulted and r*ped. She later went to the hospital’s emergency room and reported the r*pe to the doctor.
The entire incident was covered by numerous reputable newspapers. According to the Los Angeles Times, the former model punched the heavyweight champion and attempted to defend herself.
Tyson’s driver, Virginia Foster, supported her story, describing how Washington was horrified after the ordeal.
After examining her for over 24 hours following the incident, the doctor confirmed that her genital condition was consistent with r*pe.
In September 1991, Tyson was charged with one count of r*pe, two counts of deviant s*xual behavior, and one count of detention.
During the trial, the boxer claimed the intercourse was consensual. On February 10, 1992, he was convicted of one count of r*pe and two additional charges following a two-week trial.
Judge Patricia J. Gifford sentenced Tyson to ten years in prison a month after the conviction, with the last four years suspended, resulting in a six-year prison term. He was also ordered to serve four years of probation upon release.
After serving three years, Tyson was released in March 1995.
In June 1992, Desiree sued Mike for assault, battery, false imprisonment, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
Alleging that Washington intentionally and knowingly caused her to go through events like physical pain, mental distress, and fear, Mike disputed every claim made by the model more than twenty years after the tragedy.
How Was She Affected By The Assault?
As a result of the r*pe incident, she gained significant attention. She wrote about the negative impact the entire incident had on her mental health, causing tremendous anguish for her and her family.
Following the criticism she received from various sources, including Tyson’s supporters and the media, she became the victim of the incident.
In 1992, she took part in an interview with Barbara Walters to address the issue.
During the interview, she revealed how the experience significantly changed her, transforming her from a vibrant, outgoing woman to someone who would spend her days isolated in her room.
She also received a lot of attention during the interview when she mentioned receiving a $1 million offer to drop the case.
In 1992, Desiree talked about her experiences as a r*pe survivor with Barbara Walters on ABC’s 20/20, stating that it would be the only time she would address the issue to the public.
She also brought up the lawsuit, which was settled by Mike in 1995. The amount paid in the settlement was not disclosed by Tyson’s attorney.
Where Is Desiree Washington Now?
Desiree has since withdrawn from public view. “For nearly four years, Desiree has tried to rebuild her life and move on. This has not been easy,” said Michael Weisman, Desiree’s lawyer, to the Los Angeles Times in 1995.
Net Worth Of Desiree Washington
As of 2022, Desiree Washington’s estimated net worth is $100,000. Following the trial, Tyson was supposed to pay her $200,000, but the exact amount paid is unclear.
