In a post on his Instagram stories, 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.”
![A screenshot from former heavyweight boxer, Mike Tyson's Instagram story [miketyson/IG]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_2947.png?resize=187%2C333&ssl=1)
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.
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.”
