Mike Tyson On Oprah: Dead Daughter 'My Angel'

CHICAGO — Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson says he doesn't want to know what led to his 4-year-old daughter's death.

During an interview on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that aired Monday, Tyson called his daughter Exodus "my angel." Exodus died at a Phoenix hospital on May 26, a day after her neck apparently was caught in a treadmill cord.

Tyson told Winfrey that he didn't want to know details of her death because "if somebody's to blame for it there will be a problem."

The former boxer says his first instinct was rage but now he has no animosity or anger toward anyone. He called his family "my biggest asset." Tyson also says his children are "the only thing that matters to me now."

He was the subject of the recent movie "Tyson," which was based on interviews with him.

Comments

[Wilkby]

Why is Oprah putting rapists on her show. This man should still be in prison

[janie@atthelake]

exactly!!!!

[wildn0102]

It's amazing how people can be called out after the jury decides their fate. Even if you have (jurors) who later come back and say they made a mistake in judging the man. On the flip side, you have others who are acquitted and the very same people say, "the jury was wrong, they're guilty"! Remember, this guy "served his time" and has moved on with his life. I wasn't in that hotel room. I believe I was at home asleep at 3 in the morning. Only God, Tyson and Ms. Washington knows what happened in those wee-hours of the morning. Let God be the judge!

[brownsugar100]

His wife is in denial. She seems to be very insecure in her answers to O. Perhaps she has more in common with him then we know. She also did some federal time in Philly.

[NHBill]

Forget Oprah. See the movie Tyson. A truly first rate documentary that gets to the heart of Iron Mike. At the end of the film you probably won't feel much sympathy for him but you will understand him. A deeply flawed and disturbed man that lost his rudder when his only mentor Cus DaMato died. Without question one of the 20th Century's most devastating boxers. A street kid given uncountable wealth and fame, a very intoxicating mixture!

[HarlemFreeThought]

The documentary was the background for the interview.
It was a very unsettling interview, when at times I thought Tyson's rage would erupt. I think he still is in need counseling or therapy. He's still a walking time-bomb.

[jazzyfizzle]

Watching last nights episode and seeing his vulnerability and honesty helped me see exactly what place Mike Tyson is in. I could just feel his darkness and despair. He has alot of issues and feelings that really need to be resolved. I hope and pray that he can continue on his journey of a "Better Life"

[LeslieM]

Agreed. I saw Friday's episode, and his emotions were apparent. I was happy that he admitted that his original apology wasn't true and he wanted to do it again properly. But clearly, this is a man with a lot of talent, who hasn't always had someone to guide him. For instance, someone who is good at picking locks can work for law enforcemen­t/governme­nt, be a locksmith or if they don't finish school turn to crime. Same skills.

With the loss of his daughter, likely poor modeling of proper male behavior growing up and ending up in jail himself, inside he may feel lost. I would second his engaging in therapy and doing volunteer work to keep the emphasis off of his losses and work on helping others not repeat his own mistakes.

[45Caliber]

Mike may be a very violent and unstable person, however from one parent to another, I never want to know the pain he must be tormented with on a daily basis from the lost of his little girl! Parent's aren't supposed to outlive their children.....My heart goes out to him in this instance.

45Caliber

[RockyMissouri]

I have always believed that many people took advantage of
Tyson-- making money off of him instead of getting him help! I wish him well and hope he has some positive influences.

[NYCMami]

And your post shows you are more a nasty virus than human. How dare you call him "more animal than human"? Do you even realize how racist that sounds?

Mike Tyson was a vulnerable kid who grew up to be a vulnerable adult who was and has been taken advantage of time and time and time again. THAT"S how you lose millions. And if you ever listen to many, if not most, of these celebrities you will realize that having millions does not bring you intelligence, thoughtfulness, communication skills, grace or manners.

I for one, wish Mike Tyson only the best and pray to God that he can find peace and some form of happiness. He deserves it.

[kk78]

I feel for mike this is truly sad.. I hope someone didn't have anything to do with this i would hate to see what he would do to them.. Im surprised CPS has not gotten envolved wondering why the little girl was allowed to play with the cord.

[wietog]

I mourn for this little girl as we all do, but I wouldn't jump to conclusions that can have serious lifelong ramifications. Infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens - at any stage kids are curious and mischievous. You can't babyproof a home 100% nor can you watch your kids 24/7 without blinking. There is a difference between willfull neglect and an accident! We are all lucky - those of us who have not experienced such a tragedy.

What we can learn from it, though, is to continue to be vigilant and to teach our kids the difference between toys and equipment.

[reno1190]

clear example of what happens when you pal around with rethugs king & steele good luck to you mike

[GatorAtLarge]

Very dumb statement... Most things in life are not related to politics you know.

[caligyrl74]

I'm guessing this was not a plitical comment and this person was referring to DON King and RICHARD Steele (the referee). Have to be a boxing fan to get that one.

[BVictor1]

Stupid statement. This is what happens when one lacks unconditional love in there lives. He never really got that from anyone until he had kids of his own.

[tlgeiger62]

I watched the interview and couldn't help but be moved by his efforts NOT to cry. But I have to say the way he talks about himself, he sees himself as a grenade that may or may not have the pin in place. When he spoke of his daughter who died and how he doesn't want to know because if someone were found to be "responsible" there would "be a problem", when his 'wife' said she "didn't want to see" the movie 'Tyson' because she doesn't know him that way...it just seemed like the pair are living in some kind of bubble and bubbles are fragile, breakable things.

I came away thinking that I hope they make it but to live in denial is an impossible task. I know this from personal experience. I wish them the best. He does obviously love his children and WANTs life to work out. Hope it does.

[PAsteelers]

You said exactly what I was thinking.

I feel bad for Mike and wishes him well, but this man has serious

mental issues. He said he was abusive to Robin, but she was just

as abusive to him. He actually thinks that vindicated him. He said he

wanted to "sock" Robin during the Walters interview. He still see this

as ok. He is a scary, dangerous man.

[GatorAtLarge]

He doesn't want to know if someone is reponsible for his Kid's death cos "There'll be a problem" , you call that a bubble I comend a him for mourning her instead pointing fingers.

His wife has known her since she was 15 she helps raise his surving 8 kids, do you really think she needs a documentary to figure him out.

I really dont see them as living in a bubble, but Life broke down Mike Tyson but he's still alive and kicking and finding intangible things that bring joy to him if they come in bubbles so be it.

Ps- What was Robin Given's thinking about when she hit the Heavyweight champion of the world who she calls bipolar?

[furrycoat]

I disagree.P­Asteelers.­. He was simply being forthright and candid with Oprah. At the time that the interview occured, he wanted to sock her. That certainly does not mean he is currently dangerous.Why judge this man and call him dangerous? Give him a chance. He's married and talked of family values as well.
He needs love and support. Too many people used him and antagonized his anger. I saw a compassionate , caring , tearful side, that has hope at this point.

[Lucille]

To tlegeiger62,

Very well said, like you I hope Tyson and his wife aren't really living in a bubble and have a plan to deal with Tyson’s issues and reconstruct their lives together if and when the bubble breaks.

His wife in particular seems to be in denial while Tyson does acknowledge he has issues but his wife, with the help of some professional therapists, should have Plan B in place, just in case she needs it.

God bless them both of them.

Oprah should let the public either download this video from her website or sell it on itunes. This interview is must see t.v.

[Helloamanda]

really sad. ive met him at playboy before, so awful to lose a child :(
http://www.helloamanda.com/

[blimie]

Geeze, hope life is good to him and his family, there's been enough tragedy. It's compelling to see someone that honest and open. Most people learn how to hide it.

[amorvincitomnia]

Good for him. He's been through hell. It's good to see him with both feet on the ground after everything he's been through.

[Crumbysmom]

My heart goes out to him. I don't even want to imagine the pain he must be going through. So sad.

[findmind]

This man cannot catch a break...terrible