Boxing legend Mike Tyson has denied suggestions that he has donated to the Israeli military, after photos emerged of him at a fundraiser for the country’s forces.
Former American boxing champion Mike Tyson has said he was unaware that a fundraiser for the Israeli army was being held at a dinner he attended earlier this week.
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…
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) November 15, 2023
The region has been the focus of contentious public debate in recent weeks, following Palestinian militant group Hamas’ surprise October 7 attack on Israel by land, air and sea. The attack left approximately 1,200 dead, while 240 hostages were taken.
Angelina Jolie has more guts than Mike Tyson, at least she has outspoken against oppression
Angelina Jolie has more guts than Mike Tyson, at least she has outspoken against oppression pic.twitter.com/i1Z29Cgre2
— 𝔸𝕝𝕚 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕙𝕓𝕒𝕫 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕦𝕕𝕙𝕣𝕪 (@sospunjab) November 16, 2023
Israel subsequently launched its heaviest-ever military response in Gaza. As of Wednesday, over 11,200 people had been killed in Gaza, The Associated Press said, citing the Gaza Health Ministry, while thousands more have been injured and displaced.
BREAKING 🚨 Mike Tyson attended a fundraising event organised but the "Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces" group in Florida ‼️
They raised $10 million dollars for the Israeli terrorist soldiers that have been massacring innocent women and children in Gaza for the past month. pic.twitter.com/2nTt1mbA6k
— muslim daily (@muslimdaily_) November 16, 2023
Amid the conflict, there have been calls for a ceasefire, amid concerns for Palestinian civilians. It was also revealed Israel had blocked such essentials as food, fuel, electricity and medical supplies from entering Gaza.
