The champ has spoken out, seemingly supporting Sean “Diddy” Combs amid his sex-trafficking ordeal.
Mike Tyson touched on Diddy in an interview with Daily Mail published on Friday, in which he bizarrely told the outlet he wishes “all the best” for his longtime friend, who’s been locked up at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since Sept. 17 on several sex crime charges.
The Post was at the Manhattan courthouse on Thursday when the judge denied Diddy’s request for bail a third time. The embattled music mogul, 54, will remain behind bars until his May 5, 2025, trial date.
Diddy and Mike Tyson at the ‘V.I.P. Room’ night-club during the 61st International Film Festival in Cannes on May 19, 2008. ABACAUSA.COM
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in courtroom sketch. REUTERS
His children and his mom, Janice Combs, who recently released a statement supporting her son, were in court to support him.
Like many celebrities, Tyson’s name has been associated with the fallen Bad Boy Records CEO following his arrest on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking due to their decades-long friendship.
The retired heavyweight, 58, has been photographed with Diddy at his famous parties several times over the years; however, it’s to note that there is no indication he or any stars who attended Diddy’s past soirees were involved in any alleged illegal activities.
Mike Tyson and Diddy at Felix Trinidad Vs. Ricardo Mayorga Fight. WireImage
Mike Tyson (from left), LeBron James and Diddy at Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor match on August 26, 2017. Getty Images
When Daily Mail told him that his name has been drudged up with Diddy, he seemed surprised. “Wait, I’m synonymous with Diddy? Well, that’s cool,” Tyson responded. “I never knew that.”
But when asked if he had anything to say, Tyson replied: “I wish him the best. In life, I wish him the best.”
Another Diddy courtroom sketch. REUTERS
Diddy’s homes were raided by the feds in March 2024. GC Images
Diddy was arrested and charged with three counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution on Sept. 16. Prosecutors allege he flew sex workers across state lines and forced women into performing “freak offs” with male prostitutes.
After the alleged “freak offs,” prosecutors claim he would hold the recorded “freak off” footage as “collateral” for blackmail and use guns “to intimidate and threaten” those in the videos.
Upwards of 120 alleged victims, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, have stepped forward with accusations against Diddy. He has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Diddy with Cassie Ventura in 2014. FilmMagic
Following the allegations, videos emerged of Diddy and his famous friends, including footage of 1998 in which he was seen joking around with Tyson before putting his hand on the champ’s leg, according to Daily Mail.
Tyson addressed their friendship in a podcast interview last year, jokingly calling him “Sugar Diddy.”
“I just know him for a long time,” he told PBD Podcast host Patrick Bet-David. “I knew him before he was Diddy and for a long time. When I first became champ I knew him.”
He also discussed partying with the mogul.
“I remember him he used to have crates when he’s at my after parties and stuff. Also when they were throwing parties,” Tyson shared. When Bet-David said that “so many people in music and Hollywood feared this guy ‘Diddy’, as if he’s untouchable,” the boxer responded, “Oh sugar Diddy.”
