Desiree Washington, born in 1973 in Coventry, Rhode Island, was an 18-year-old college student and the reigning Miss Black Rhode Island in 1991. Her life took an unexpected turn when she attended the Miss Black America pageant in Indianapolis and crossed paths with the famous boxer, Mike Tyson.
It was during a rehearsal at the Omni Severin Hotel on July 18, 1991, that Desiree first encountered Tyson. Little did she know that this encounter would lead to a series of events that would change her life forever.
On the fateful night of July 19, 1991, Desiree found herself in a hotel room with Tyson. She later reported that she had been raped by the boxer in the early hours of that morning. This accusation sent shockwaves through the media and the public, as the world turned its attention to the upcoming trial.
In September 1991, Mike Tyson was indicted on charges of rape, deviant sexual conduct, and confinement. The trial garnered significant attention, with the boxer maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
However, after a two-week trial, Tyson was found guilty of one count of rape and two additional charges on February 10, 1992. The presiding judge, Patricia J. Gifford, sentenced him to ten years in prison, with four years suspended, resulting in a six-year sentence.
Following his release in March 1995 after serving three years, Tyson was directed to serve four years of probation.
Where is Desiree Washington Today?
In 1992, shortly after Mike Tyson’s conviction, Desiree Washington decided to share her story on national television. She appeared on ABC’s ’20/20′ in an interview with Barbara Walters, where she bravely recounted her experiences as a rape survivor.
During the interview, she made it clear that this would be the only time she would address the public about the matter, highlighting her desire to move forward and focus on healing.
Desiree’s resilience shone through as she explained her decision to attend the Miss Black America pageant despite the harrowing ordeal she had endured. She stated, “I was hurting, but I’m no quitter. I had worked for it for six months.”
Her determination and refusal to let the trauma define her became evident as she spoke about her aspirations and the strength she found within herself.
Beyond the trial and its aftermath, Desiree also took legal action against Mike Tyson. In 1995, a settlement was reached between the two parties, although the specific details of the settlement, including any financial compensation, remain undisclosed.
With the lawsuit resolved, Desiree made a conscious choice to retreat from the public eye. Her attorney, Michael Weisman, emphasized that she needed time to rebuild her life and recover from the profound and lasting impact of the rape.
In addition to the challenges she faced as a result of the assault, Desiree also encountered personal difficulties. Her parents, Mary and Donald Washington, separated in 1992 after 17 years of marriage, further adding to the hardships she had to overcome.
Furthermore, a former boyfriend accused Desiree Washington of falsely claiming that he had raped her when, in fact, they had engaged in consensual sex when she was 16. Desiree firmly denied these accusations, illustrating the complexities and additional obstacles she faced during this period.
By March 1995, Desiree resided in an apartment in East Providence, Rhode Island, a working-class neighborhood that marked a significant change from her family’s previous home. At that time, she was a senior psychology major at Providence College, anticipating her graduation in May of the same year.
Despite the challenges she had endured, Desiree Washington displayed remarkable strength and determination, and there were reports suggesting that she might have pursued a career as a teacher. However, these reports remain unverified, as Desiree has intentionally maintained her privacy.
Today, detailed information about Desiree Washington’s current whereabouts, personal life, and employment is scarce. She has chosen to keep her life private, undoubtedly a result of the trauma she experienced and her desire to move forward.
Desiree Washington’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of survivors, as well as the importance of supporting and empowering those who have faced similar challenges.
In conclusion, Desiree Washington’s encounter with Mike Tyson and the subsequent trial brought significant attention to her life. While she made the courageous decision to share her story, Desiree has since stepped away from the public eye, focusing on healing and rebuilding her life.
