Tyson and Paris Fury hit by backlash from Travellers as they are criticised for 'forgetting their values' while posing at the White House in 'Trump for Prime Minister' hat

Tyson Fury and his wife Paris made headlines during their surprise appearance at the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14, 2026. The event, which celebrated America's 250th independence anniversary and coincided with former President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, drew a mix of celebrities, athletes, and political figures. Tyson, the British heavyweight boxing champion, wore a hat emblazoned with the slogan "Donald Trump for Prime Minister," a clear endorsement of the former president. His wife, Paris, posted photos of the evening, expressing her excitement about being at the White House and watching the fights in what she described as "Donald Trump's garden." However, the couple's presence sparked controversy among members of the Traveller community, who criticized them for what they perceived as a betrayal of their cultural values.

The Traveller community, which includes Romani people and Irish Travellers, has historically faced discrimination and marginalization in the United Kingdom and the United States. According to a 2020 study by the Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights and Voice of Roma, nearly 80% of Romani Americans experience discrimination, and 70% conceal their Romani identity to avoid stigma. Many Traveller activists expressed disappointment that Tyson and Paris, who are part of the Traveller community, chose to associate publicly with Trump, whom they view as having a history of discriminatory policies toward marginalized groups. One critic remarked, "Considering how the US government have treated Romani people forever, this is a bit of a kick in the teeth to the ancestry."

Tyson's appearance at the White House followed a period of absence from the U.S., as he had not visited since October 2021 due to a travel ban. Upon arrival, he shared photos of his private jet journey and expressed his joy at being back in the country. During the event, Tyson made a brief but notable interaction with Trump, who was seated in the audience. He also joined UFC commentator Dana White at the ringside, where he hinted at a potential announcement regarding a future fight with Anthony Joshua, reigniting the longstanding rivalry between the two boxers.

The UFC Freedom 250 event itself was the subject of legal challenges prior to its scheduling. A group led by the Public Integrity Project sued to block the event, citing violations of National Park Service regulations and concerns over the construction of the "Claw," a 92-foot-tall structure used for the event. However, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the event did not exceed the Trump administration's authority and that the plaintiffs had failed to demonstrate irreparable harm. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged that the event was "Trump's idea," despite claiming the timing was a coincidence.

While some fans supported Tyson's political stance, others voiced disapproval, with some followers stating they would unfollow the boxer. The controversy highlights the complex intersection of personal expression, cultural identity, and political affiliation. As the fallout continues, Tyson and Paris remain in the spotlight, balancing their public persona with the expectations of their community. The situation underscores broader debates around free speech, cultural representation, and the role of public figures in shaping political discourse.