Paris and Tyson Fury have sparked significant backlash after publicly supporting President Donald Trump during his 80th birthday celebration at the White House. The couple attended the White House UFC Freedom 250 event on Sunday night, joining a select group of 4,000 guests that included Mark Zuckerberg and Joe Rogan in a custom-built venue.
The British heavyweight champion, 37, and his wife Paris, 36, faced criticism not only for their attendance but also for Tyson's bold political fashion statement. He wore a hat emblazoned with the words 'Donald Trump for Prime Minister,' which angered many fans. Paris shared numerous photos from the event on social media, writing: 'Only in America! Can't believe we are at the White House walking round, then watching the fights in Donald Trumps garden! Whirl wind few days!'
Tyson later posted a selfie proudly pointing at his hat, tagging Trump in the caption and adding the hashtag '#makebritaingreatagain.' The family was accused of losing their values, with Instagram user charlie_todi commenting: 'I love you guys, but I can't do this. Don't lose your Fury values.' Another user, ketaeolivia, added: 'This is nothing to brag about tbf.'
Some critics accused the couple of betraying their heritage. User thecherryblossompossum wrote: 'Ahhh, considering how the US government have treated Romani people forever, this is a bit of a kick in the teeth to the ancestry but go on.'
Tyson had not been in the US since October 2021 due to a travel ban. After arriving at the event, he said: 'It's been a long time and boy oh boy am I happy to be here at this historic event, freedom at the White House and Donald Trump's birthday.' He also recorded a video stating: 'Tyson Fury here, the Gypsy King. Just stepped foot on US soil. It's been five and a half years since I knocked out that big bum dosser Deontay Wilder – and I'm back! The smell of freedom is in the air. Big shout out to Turki Alalshikh for making this happen. Get up! God bless you all, come on!'
The national anthem played as fighter jets flew overhead, prompting chants of 'USA, USA' from the crowd.
This is not Tyson's first foray into politics. In 2015, he revealed ambitions to become the MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, planning to stand as an Independent. He told the BBC there was 'too much focus on immigration' and not enough on 'our own brothers and sisters who are on the streets and abusing drugs and alcohol.' He said: 'I want to make a change for the better for the place I live. I believe that I will succeed because of the influence I have over the people from the town.'
