Last September, CNN’s Rachel Nichols interviewed Floyd Mayweather, and she asked him about his allegations of domestic violence against at least five women, including the mother of his children, Josie Harris. He also threatened to kill his kids — his kids who called the police after an incident with Harris where she was admitted to the hospital with bruises and a concussion.
Since no photos of any wrongdoing exist, he insists it didn’t happen. “Everything has been allegations,” he said in the interview. “Nothing has been proven. So, you know, that’s life.”
Thanks to this interview, Nichols was unceremoniously banned from the Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight this weekend. So was ESPN’s Michelle Beadle, who has spoken out about the sports world’s treatment of domestic violence victims and perpetrators in the past, most notably her colleague Stephen A. Smith, after he said that women who were battered probably did something to provoke it. According to Nichols, Showtime (who aired the fight) denied them access Saturday night.
Have had a bunch of folks asking questions about the Mayweather issue. Here’s what happened: After asking tough questions of Floyd Mayweather on my program, I was not offered press credentials to cover tonight’s fight. In an email dated April 23, I was told I would only be credentialed for the run-up events through the week, but in bold, italic letters the email stated “you do not have any access Saturday to any services or events.” A CNN producer revisited the issue with the Mayweather camp on April 29, confirming to Mayweather’s publicist that I would be in Las Vegas, and the publicist replied that I would still be denied a fight night credential. I was told the same thing when I arrived at the credential office in person on May 1, by two separate officials, in front of several other people. It doesn’t surprise me that now, after facing significant backlash, the Mayweather camp has reversed its position. But despite this, and other outside parties generously offering me their seats, I will not attend the fight. I will also not let fear of retaliation prevent me from asking the tough questions the public deserves answers to in the future.
Nichols was ultimately offered credentials from HBO while Mayweather’s rep Kelly Swanson denies there being any issue in the first place:
No one including ME banned @Rachel__Nichols from covering the fight. She is already credentialed. #Facts
— Kelly Swanson (@kellyswanson1) May 2, 2015
And @MichelleDBeadle isn't even on the press list. She's credentialed through @HBOboxing. Yes credentialed. #Fact#2
— Kelly Swanson (@kellyswanson1) May 2, 2015
Meanwhile, Beadle is getting attacked by Twitter trolls for speaking her mind.
I'll just go back and read the statement given to police by his 10 year old son. And you remain a loyal sycophant. https://t.co/LuSNsvlPOA
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 3, 2015
Your daughter? She's beautiful. Delete these tweets before she can read them. https://t.co/vsxmsq9QxU
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 3, 2015
From what I can tell, this appears to be an actual grown man: oh dear. pic.twitter.com/xuDWqH0RvD
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 3, 2015
They are the kings of all bottom-feeders. A group of humans I wouldn't want running my yard sale. https://t.co/CBn7vBPoYo
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 3, 2015