Mike Tyson Opens Up About Death Of Daughter Exodus, 4

Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter Exodus died in May after strangling herself with a treadmill cable in a freak accident. Tonight on Entertainment Tonight, Tyson opens up in his first interview since the tragedy.

From the press release:

August 13th, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA)-- ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT spoke to Mike Tyson on the set of FOX's new series, "Brothers," for a new interview to air tonight, August 13th.

Tyson opens up about the tragic death of his daughter Exodus and explains how recent acting roles have helped with the grieving process, "I really was beating myself up over my daughter. I was staying in the house, depressed; it was a dark moment in my life. [Acting] keeps me functioning as a healthy human being."

On how he is coping today, Tyson says, "I am working with dealing with it. I have spoken to a lot of people. I have become a member of an exclusive club no one wants to join. I have been told the pain never stops but you get over it. I am going through a process, trying to heal. I am in denial, because I don't know how to handle it. I don't know what to do or say. I appreciate everybody who supported me."

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Comments

[moonfunk]

I was one of those who was hating on him for the ear-biting incident, and I had mixed opinions about the situation with that Desiree girl that landed him in jail. All in all I thought he was on a power trip like a lot of superstars, thinking that he could do no wrong because he was above the rest of us peasants.

But then I too saw him on Jimmy Kimmel just days before this tragedy occurred. And he came across as warm, funny, even self-deprecating to a degree. He seemed to be a man who learned a lot from his errors, and was on track to being a regular human being that all of us can appreciate and actually welcome back into our hearts.

I only hoped that the tragedy would not cause him to turn inward and allow the old demons to get the best of him again. Based on what I'm reading here, it seems he is coping as well as anyone, with perspective and maturity. I am heartened to see it. I pray his encouragement and strength.

Stay strong Mike. A lot of us have forgiven you your past, and our hearts go out to you in your loss. Don't sweat the other haters.

[tommythomson]

This was a terrible tragedy and I am glad he is able to cope in whatever way he can. God bless him.

[chavo]

I would not wish Mike Tyson's life on anyone. He has had one awful life.

[ttyy]

This guy's has his problems and I find him reprehensible in alot of ways but I feel for him and his terrible loss.

[Bushisgone]

Keep your chin up Mike!!!!

[shirleyfeeney]

Mike, you never get over the pain or the loss, it just feels "different" as time goes along. I'm sure your angel is watching over you, so hang in there.

[Gatorboy]

Ugh, Entertainment Tonight... This man's loss is entertainment?

What vultures.

[american-dolt]

He and Palin would make a handsome couple, he could learn to ride a snow machine, and she could put a American Flag Tattoo across her face.

[Shelby596]

And when she starts her bitchin' he could knock her out cold... I like it - let's introduce!

[BARRISTER]

To those of you who are cynical about Mr. Tyson's grief; can you relate to the pain and anguish which he must be living every single second of every single day since his baby died? I am a parent. I have a four year old girl too. I would die if she suffered such a fate as Exodus.

Have a heart. Give Mr. Tyson some love. Feel his pain. Make him the better person he wants to be.
In the words of Michael Jackson: " Heal the World, make it a better place; for you and for me and the entire Human Race.."

Love heals. So go out and Love!

[Judyisacutie]

I was sorry to hear about his loss. God bless the Tyson family.

[706makeupgirl]

hear, hear. Godbless.

[SharonaMonk]

I really feel bad for him. It looked like he was really trying to lead a better life, and then this happened. I remember seeing him on Jimmy K. not long before this happened, and he seemed to be the most sane I'd ever seen him. I honestly think he had worked on turning his life around. It's such a sad tale. I know people say he's a horrid person, but sometimes you have to consider what one goes through to get to that point. He has had a tough life.

[brahdog]

tragic but the death of a child does not automatically turn a bad seed into a heroic figure

i think it's weird he got married like a week after his daughter's death

[Judyisacutie]

I think your lack of perspective is weird.

[brahdog]

yes, his "lack of perspective" getting married a week after his daughter's death, that's exactly the phrasing i was looking for, thanks

[DalKimball82]

I hope Mike continues to find productive ways to deal with the tragedy. I didn't see anywere in his comment were he was encouraging people to forget his prior sins, and to now see him as some heroic figure. His daughter died I can only imagine how devasting that must be for a parent, even for Mike Tyson.

[sizogee]

Who's saying that?

Tyson, like almost everyone who has lived, falls somewhere between "bad seed" and "heroic figure."

[mikeodd]

Best of luck to you Champ!
The sweet science hasn't been the same w/out you.
Go get them millions back !

[Jacqueline3]

He can't act!

[cherieamour]

Shut...the­...EFFF...­UP...

[706makeupgirl]

He was a lot of fun on 'Brothers'.
He did not need to act, they wrote the part for 'Mike Tyson'.
He just needed to be himself. And he was hilarious.
Thanks Mr. Tyson, you were funny and great.
He also had to read the credits. He was a great sport and did a splendid job.
We appreciate you.
~G

[guyfrombrooklyn]

Mike has been beaten in the ring and even more-so out, thoroughly. For him to be able to continue is a testament to his inner strength.

I always thought that his crash and burn would finally end and he would stabilize at some point.

Hope so. Soon.