Dancer sues Tyson, club for alleged shoving

A former exotic dancer has filed a lawsuit against boxer Mike Tyson and the adult entertainment club where she says Tyson knocked her across the room last month.

According to the lawsuit filed Monday in District Court, Victoria Bianco was working at Cheetah's Lounge May 8 when Tyson "suddenly and without warning violently struck her in the chest" as she began to sit down next to him.

The lawsuit alleges that the shove sent her several feet across the floor, that she landed on her tailbone and that she suffered other injuries for two weeks afterward.

Tyson and Cheetah's are named in the lawsuit along with Jack E. Galardi and Michael Galardi, who operate the club, and Mike Beasley and Lonnie Roybal, who work at the club.

Roybal declined to comment on the suit Monday night and the other defendants could not be reached for comment.

When she came out of the club's locker room to speak with police, Bianco claims that Beasley repeatedly stated "Nothing happened, right?" in a tone that left no doubt he didn't want her to report the incident, the lawsuit states.

After lying to police because she was afraid of losing her job, Bianco claims that Michael Galardi told her he knew what had happened and promised her "five bills" because of it.

Roybal then gave her $500, the lawsuit alleges.

Bianco said she went to the police May 9 because her pain persisted and shortly thereafter she was fired.

After investigating the alleged incident, Metro Police said Bianco's allegations were "unfounded," and Tyson was not charged.

Bianco and her husband, Glenn, are suing Tyson for battery and all of the defendants for intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, loss of consortium, libel, slander and defamation and civil conspiracy.

After she was fired, Bianco said Michael Galardi, Beasley and Royal made false statements against her and those statements ended up being broadcast and printed in the local, national and international press.

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