Mike Tyson Kept Tigers as Pets and Bought a $2 Million Gold Bathtub—Fact or Fantasy?

When it comes to outrageous celebrity lifestyles, few can top the wild legend of Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champion didn’t just dominate in the ring—he lived as fiercely outside of it. From keeping tigers as household pets to gifting his wife a solid gold bathtub worth $2 million, Tyson’s lavish habits sound more like scenes from a Hollywood comedy than real life. But believe it or not, they’re 100% true.

At the peak of his fame and fortune, Tyson was known for his unpredictable choices—and few were more jaw-dropping than his decision to own Bengal tigers. Yes, real tigers. He reportedly bought three of them, each costing around $70,000. One in particular, a tiger named Kenya, became a fixture in his mansion, freely roaming the grounds like a domesticated cat. Tyson’s bond with his tigers was genuine, but caring for them came at a high price—thousands of dollars a month in food, training, and secure housing. While many questioned the ethics and legality, Tyson didn’t seem fazed, even appearing in interviews talking about cuddling with the big cats.

If that wasn’t extravagant enough, Tyson also made headlines with one of the most ridiculous celebrity purchases in history: a 24-karat gold bathtub. He gave it to his then-wife Robin Givens as a gift, and it reportedly cost him a staggering $2 million. The bathtub was so over-the-top that it became a symbol of Tyson’s excessive lifestyle. And that wasn’t the end—he also splurged on fleets of luxury cars, custom jewelry, mansions, and even pet pigeons.

These outrageous habits eventually caught up to him. Despite earning over $300 million throughout his career, Tyson filed for bankruptcy in 2003, admitting he had spent nearly every dime. But in recent years, he’s reflected on his past with surprising honesty and humor.

So, was it real or just a myth? It’s all real—tigers, tubs, and all. And that’s what makes Mike Tyson such a fascinating figure. Behind the fierce punches was a man living life with no filter and no limits. Tyson’s story proves that sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction.