From Hospital to Courtroom: Tom Dwan Launches Legal Battle Over Controversial London Hospitalization

Poker icon Tom Dwan is gearing up for a legal showdown after returning to the U.S. following a shocking hospitalization in London. The high-stakes legend, known in the poker world as “durrrr,” claims his basic rights were violated when he was held against his will in a psychiatric facility where he alleges he was manipulated, isolated, and forcibly medicated.

Dwan's Detention in Psychiatry

Back in April 2025, the poker community was rocked by a series of disturbing posts on X (formerly Twitter) from Dwan. The American pro stated he was being detained without consent at Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in London. He claimed that staff were administering medication without his approval, deleting messages from his phone, and that he feared for his life. You can revisit the original story here:

https://www.spadepokertv.com/en/news/help-they-want-to-kill-me-tom-dwan-sends-a-series-of-disturbing-tweets-from-the-psychiatric-ward/

Just two days ago, Dwan reemerged online and shared a chilling account of his experience inside the psychiatric facility. According to his tweets, he was repeatedly drugged without consent and denied access to his electronic devices. In one post, he alleged he was even coerced into tweeting that he was feeling better.

Back on Home Turf

Now safely back in the U.S., Dwan has announced his intention to pursue legal action against the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health and others involved. He claims his legal rights were violated during the ordeal, including his right to legal counsel and contact with his family.

They took my phone n devices, didn’t give in to my repeated requests for medical care, or my legal rights (nearest relative, tribunal, imha), for ~2weeks, and did what they could to bar me from all contact.

There were a few dece ppl, but majority followed (illegal) orders. https://t.co/pVURrFJbDJ
— Tom Dwan (@TomDwan) May 19, 2025

Under the UK’s Mental Health Act, authorities can detain individuals for evaluation or treatment if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. Doctors are permitted to treat such individuals without consent, but the law also guarantees certain patient rights—such as access to legal representation and the right to appeal their detention. Dwan argues these rights were ignored in his case.

The poker world has responded with a mix of concern and support. Many have rallied behind Dwan. James Masinkovich, for instance, shared online reviews of the Park Royal facility that mention disturbing screams, poor care, and unfriendly staff.

Any update on Tom Dwan? The reviews of the facility he is at are horrifying pic.twitter.com/vO6apRnrA6
— James Marinkovich (@jamesmarinkovic) May 1, 2025

But not everyone is convinced. Daniel Negreanu expressed skepticism, pointing out that he has witnessed erratic behavior from Dwan in the past. In one instance, Dwan reportedly insisted that Negreanu remove the battery from his phone before they could talk—claiming they might be under surveillance.

Whether Dwan’s claims hold up in court remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the poker community will be watching this case closely.

Source – X, GamblingNews, CardPlayer, PokerNews