Mike Tyson & Robin Givens: The Marriage That Lasted 8 Months
A heavyweight champion, no prenup, and a Barbara Walters interview that shocked America.
Key Facts
What Happened
When 21-year-old heavyweight champion Mike Tyson married actress Robin Givens in February 1988, he was worth an estimated $50 million and rising. There was no prenuptial agreement. When asked why, Tyson said: 'If you're going to marry someone, you trust them and that's what marriage is all about.' That trust would be tested almost immediately.
Seven months into the marriage, the couple sat down with Barbara Walters for a 20/20 interview that became one of the most-watched moments in television history. With Tyson sitting beside her, Givens described their marriage as 'torture, pure hell, worse than anything I could possibly imagine.' She alleged Tyson had an 'extremely volatile temper' and had hit her. Tyson sat stone-faced as Givens detailed his manic depression diagnosis and violent outbursts.
In October 1988, Givens filed for divorce citing spousal abuse and obtained a temporary restraining order. The divorce was finalized on Valentine's Day 1989 — less than a year after the wedding. The settlement remains disputed: Tyson claimed Givens received $10 million, while Givens has publicly stated she 'didn't receive one dime.' Court records show Tyson kept the $4 million Bernardsville, New Jersey estate while Givens left with jewelry, automobiles, and an undisclosed cash amount.
The case became a cautionary tale about the dangers of marrying without a prenuptial agreement when significant wealth is involved. Tyson's fortune — which would eventually reach $300 million in career earnings — was left unprotected by any legal instrument. His later financial troubles, including bankruptcy in 2003, were partly traced back to this period of unprotected wealth.
Legal Breakdown: Prenuptial Agreements
The Cost of No Prenup
Tyson's $50 million fortune was completely unprotected. Without a prenuptial agreement, Givens could have claimed up to half of his assets under New York's equitable distribution law. The lack of a prenup turned what could have been a clean legal separation into a prolonged financial battle with disputed settlement figures that both parties still argue about decades later.
Domestic Violence and Divorce Strategy
Givens' allegations of domestic violence were not just personal — they were legally strategic. By filing for a restraining order and documenting abuse on national television, she established a record that strengthened her divorce petition. In many states, proven domestic violence can affect property division, giving the victim a larger share. The Barbara Walters interview, while controversial, served as a public deposition of sorts.
Celebrity Divorce in the Media Age
The Tyson-Givens divorce was one of the first to play out in real-time on national television. The 20/20 interview set a precedent for using media as leverage in divorce proceedings. While courts officially don't consider media coverage, public opinion can pressure settlements and affect a party's reputation, earning potential, and endorsement deals — all of which become financial factors in high-net-worth divorces.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Always get a prenuptial agreement when significant wealth is involved, regardless of how much you trust your partner.
- →Document any instances of domestic violence immediately — medical records, police reports, and witness statements create the legal foundation for protection orders and favorable settlements.
- →Be cautious about making public statements during divorce proceedings — anything said on camera can be used in court.
- →Short marriages don't necessarily mean small settlements. Even an 8-month marriage without a prenup can result in multi-million dollar claims.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.