Mike Tyson and Bobby Brown have found solace in confiding in one another as they continue to struggle with the deep pain of losing a child.
Brown said their shared grief has brought them closer together as friends and said they actively lean on and support one another through the challenging moments, according to People. The two fathers have continued to be there for one another through the years.
“His support is great,” Brown said, speaking of Tyson. “Him being a friend of mine and having someone else to talk to to get through, because he also lost a child, and just to have him as a friend, it means everything to me.”
Bobby Brown, Mike Tyson and Cedric The Entertainer attend Bobbi Kristina Serenity House 4th Annual Gala on March 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BKSH
Brown lost the daughter he shared with Whitney Houston, Bobbi Kristina, in 2015. Kristina died at the age of 22. She was found unresponsive in a bathtub at her home. The New Edition singer also lost his son Bobby Brown Jr. due to an accidental overdose.
Tyson experienced the pain of losing his daughter in a devastating accident in 2009. 4-year-old Exodus died from accidentally choking herself with a cord.
Las Vegas, UNITED STATES: A file picture taken 22 November 1986 in Las Vegas shows Mike Tyson (R) during his fight against heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight world champion in history. (AFP via Getty Images)
Boxer Mike Tyson sits in a car as he leaves Mr. Chows restaurant June 23, 2001 in Beverly Hills, CA. (Photo by Getty Images)
“We go way back,” Brown said, describing his relationship with Tyson.
“When he first started fighting and I first went solo we did a lot of hanging out together,” he told People.
Bobby Brown arrives at the Mike Tyson Cares and We2Matter’s 100 Women Matter Celebrity Fundraiser Gala on August 17, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
One of the world’s most popular US singer Whiteny Houston, her husband, US singer Bobby Brown and their daughter Christina, arrive 11 October 1998 at the International Achievement in Arts Awards. LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NV: Singer Whitney Houston is seen performing on stage during the 2004 World Music Awards at the Thomas and Mack Center on September 15, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Brown and Tyson grew closer through their shared grief, but Brown says they choose not to discuss too often the tragedies they have faced.
“We try to stay away from it,” he said.
Instead, they try to uplift one another and shift focus.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 28: Mike Tyson exits the ring after receiving a split draw against Roy Jones Jr. during Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. presented by Triller at Staples Center on November 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Triller)
Singer Whitney Houston (L) and Bobbi Kristina Brown arrives at the 2011 Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute To Industry Icons Honoring David Geffen at Beverly Hilton Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Bobby Brown attends the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame )
“It’s always in the foreground, but we try to keep each other on solid ground,” Brown told People. (RELATED: REPORT: Mike Tyson Sued For Alleged Rape)
Tyson supported brown March 4 during an event held in Brown’s daughter’s honor, the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House Gala, a charity designed to raise awareness about domestic violence.