Mike Tyson is once again making headlines, but this time it has nothing to do with boxing. The former heavyweight champion has filed a $50 million lawsuit tied to a Chicago-based marijuana branding business, according to court records obtained by ABC7 Chicago.

The lawsuit immediately puts a national spotlight on Illinois’ cannabis-adjacent business space… and not in a flattering way.

What Mike Tyson Is Alleging

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According to the lawsuit, Mike Tyson claims he was defrauded by a marijuana branding company called Carma. The allegations include kickback schemes, unauthorized bonuses, and what the lawsuit describes as lavish personal spending, all without Tyson’s approval.

The filing claims the alleged activity cost Tyson and other plaintiffs “tens of millions of dollars.”

The Chicago Marijuana Company at the Center

Carma is described as a marijuana branding company based in Chicago, which places this legal dispute squarely in Illinois. While the cannabis industry itself is heavily regulated, branding and licensing deals often operate in a gray area, one that can involve big money, big personalities, and complicated contracts.

MORE: 2 Illinois Cities Top List of Worst Places to Get High in the US

What the Defense Is Saying

Attorneys representing Tyson’s former business partners have denied any wrongdoing. At this point, these are still allegations, and no court findings have been made.

Why This Case Is Worth Watching

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Beyond the celebrity factor, the lawsuit raises questions about oversight, transparency, and trust in high-profile cannabis branding deals… especially in states like Illinois where the industry continues to mature.

For now, details remain limited, and the case appears to be just getting started. This is developing, and more information is expected as the lawsuit moves forward.

READ MORE: Illinois Drivers: The Smell Test That Could Land You in Trouble

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