Mike Tyson denies donating to Israel army

A screenshot from former heavyweight boxer, Mike Tyson’s Instagram story on 17 November 2023 in which he denies donating to the Israeli army [miketyson/IG]

Pictures of the boxing champion circulated on social media and in media reports of the ‘Night of Solidarity’ hosted by Friends of the IDF, which raised nearly $10 million.

In a post on his Instagram story, Tyson wrote: “I want to clarify the recent portrayal of an event I attended. Invited for a casual evening out by a friend, I was unaware of the arranged fundraiser and no donations were made by me or on my behalf.”

🇮🇱 Mike Tyson attended a “Friends of the Israel Defence Forces” event…

😶 pic.twitter.com/Zvqu1T3Cuu

— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) November 15, 2023

Tyson came under criticism for his attendance, especially at a time when the Israeli army – the IDF – is carrying out a genocidal bombing campaign against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, killing nearly 12,000 people since 7 October, the vast majority children and women.

Addressing the criticism levelled at him Tyson said: “As a Muslim and human, I support peace. My prayers have been and continue to be with my brothers and sisters.”

READ: Israel army destroys medical departments at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza