“They can unintentionally cause harm, particularly when engaging in rough play,” remarked Mike Tyson during his conversation with Fat Joe on Instagram Live. The recent buzz surrounding the Netflix documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” may have triggered Tyson’s recollection of his own past ownership of two tigers during his prime.

Tyson openly acknowledged his lapse in judgment, admitting that keeping these untamed animals at his Las Vegas residence was a misguided decision. “I made a foolish choice,” he confessed. “Attempting to fully domesticate these creatures is simply not feasible. There’s no way it can be achieved. They can inadvertently harm you, especially when engaged in aggressive interactions. If you strike them, they can become agitated and retaliate, resulting in tragic consequences.”

“I’m grateful that I have become more knowledgeable,” he emphasized. “I had been in the wrong. It was a mistake to believe that they could be domesticated and kept in my home. I regret my actions.”

While Tyson himself remained unharmed by the tigers, he did share a story about an unfortunate incident involving a woman who inexplicably entered his property and attempted to interact with the tiger.

“The tiger was unfamiliar with the lady,” Tyson explained, “resulting in a regrettable accident.”

He mentioned that the woman attempted to file a lawsuit against him, but it was dismissed as she had trespassed onto his premises. However, despite the circumstances, Tyson chose to provide compensation to the woman.

“Let me tell you, witnessing the injuries to her hand caused by the tiger, I was financially well-off at that time, so I decided to give her a substantial sum, perhaps around $250,000, to assist her recovery, Joe.”

In 1996, Tyson had a friendly encounter with one of his tigers during a segment for the television show “Inside Edition.”

During their Instagram Live conversation, Tyson also shared the backstory of how he ended up owning the two tigers. Surprisingly, the transaction took place while he was incarcerated.

“While talking to a friend from whom I used to purchase cars, he mentioned that one of our mutual acquaintances owed him money,” Tyson recalled. “He stated, ‘If he doesn’t pay up, I’ll trade some of these cars for animals.’ Curious, I inquired about the type of animals available. He replied, ‘Horses and such.’ Then he added, ‘They also have impressive tigers and lions. Imagine having one of those in your Ferrari.’ I pondered his suggestion and replied, ‘That’s an interesting idea. Why don’t you arrange for a couple of them? I’ll be released in a few months.’”