Monica Turner: The Woman Who Stood by Mike Tyson Through His Darkest Times
Monica Turner is not just a name, but a story of resilience, intelligence, and compassion. She is a pediatrician who has dedicated her life to helping children and their families, but she is also a woman who has faced many challenges and triumphs in her personal life. She is the ex-wife of Mike Tyson, one of the most famous and controversial boxers in history, and the half-sister of Michael Steele, a prominent politician and former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland.
In this article, you will learn about Monica Turner’s life, from her upbringing in Washington D.C. to her current career & whereabouts. You will also discover how she met Tyson, what their relationship was like, and what caused their separation.
Lesser Know Relationship of Monica Turner: She had a daughter before Mike Tyson
Monica Turner had a bright future ahead of her when she crossed paths with Eugene Byrd, a notorious drug lord who was old enough to be her father. Despite the age gap and the danger, they fell in love and welcomed a baby girl, Gena, in 1989. Their bliss was short-lived, however, as Byrd was soon caught and locked up for a decade for his cocaine dealings. Following the imprisonment, Turner decided to end their romance and focus on her career and her daughter. She applied to Georgetown University to pursue a medical career. She also dabbled in real estate, buying a townhouse on Georgia Avenue for a bargain and renting out a four-unit apartment near Catholic University. She made sure her daughter Gina got the best education possible by sending her to Lowell School, a prestigious preschool.
Meanwhile, Mike Tyson was a boxing legend who had a tumultuous marriage with Robin Givens, an actress who accused him of physical and emotional abuse. They married on February 7, 1988, but their union was marred by scandals, lawsuits, and a miscarriage. In September 1988, they gave a shocking interview to Barbara Walters, where Givens described Tyson as a violent and unstable man. “He’s got a side to him that’s scary. Michael is intimidating, to say the least,” she said, as Tyson sat beside her silently. A month later, she filed for divorce, citing spousal abuse as the reason. Their divorce was finalized in 1989. Tyson later admitted to hitting Givens on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show in 2009. “I have socked her before, and she socked me before, as well. It was just that kind of relationship,” he alleged. Mike Tyson and Givens did not have any children from the relationship.
How Monica Turner and Mike Tyson Fell in Love and Fell Apart
The love story of Monica Turner and Mike Tyson was a roller coaster of passion and pain. It all started in 1990, when they locked eyes at a party hosted by Eddie Murphy. They felt a spark and stayed in touch, even when Tyson was sent to prison for rape in 1992. Turner was loyal and supportive, visiting him every two weeks in Indianapolis prison until he got out in 1995. She also brought his daughter, Mikey, who was 4 years old, to bond with him.
Boxing writer Bert Sugar said that Turner was the perfect match for Tyson. He said that Tyson had always dreamed of a black princess, and that Turner had everything he wanted – she was smart, gorgeous, and graceful.
They kept their romance under wraps, but Charles Williams, a close advisor of Tyson, spilled the beans to The Washington Post in 1995. He said that Turner loved Tyson for his resilience and bravery.
“She’s fallen in love with a man that she admires and respects for his tenacity to survive through his personal struggles.”
Turner confirmed her feelings for Tyson in an interview with the Washington in 1999. She said:
“He’s smart and he’s funny. He’s sensitive. . . . He’s so strong. He has a strong character.”
They tied the knot in a Muslim ceremony in 1997 and had two children, Amir and Rayna. They settled in Bethesda, Maryland, where Turner worked as a pediatrician. They also appeared in many public and red-carpet events, such as the MTV Music Awards in Monaco City in 1998 and Tyson’s reinstatement hearing at the Nevada State Athletic Commission in the same year.
But Tyson’s fame came with a price. He was involved in many scandals and troubles, including serving prison for assaulting two motorists. He was often seen as a villain and a menace. Turner defended him, saying:
“I think he is misunderstood a lot. People don’t know the person that I know because they don’t get to see that side of him.”
She also praised him for being a good father to their kids.
“With our kids, he’s very involved. He’s real protective of them. He always wants to make sure everything is right and that they’re okay and they’re happy.”
But their marriage was doomed to fail. Tyson cheated on Turner and wasted his money. He also battled with his mental health and substance abuse. Turner had enough and filed for divorce in 2002, citing adultery and irreconcilable differences. Tyson admitted his faults in his autobiography and said:
“I guess she had had enough of my fooling around because I sure did a lot of it. Calling to her I had AIDS probably did not help either.”
They finalized their divorce in 2003, after months of negotiations. Turner got over $6.5 million as part of the settlement and primary custody of their children. She also got the deed of their Bethside Maryland mansion.
Wiki/Bio facts of Monica Turner
| Fact | Description |
| Name | Monica Teresa Turner |
| Nickname | Dr. Turner |
| Date of birth | February 27, 1966 |
| Age | 57 |
| Place of birth | Washington, D.C. |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Gender | Female |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | N/A |
| Weight | N/A |
| Hair | Dark |
| Eye | Brown |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Georgetown University School of Medicine |
| Occupation | Pediatrician |
| Half-brother | Michael Steele |
| Ex-husband | Mike Tyson |
| Children | Amir and Rayna |
| Grandchildren | Miguel and Morocco |
| Marriage date | April 19, 1997 |
| Divorce date | January 14, 2003 |
| Settlement | Over $6.5 million including house, and other assets |
| Custody | Primary custody of their children |
| Hobbies | Traveling, reading, and spending time with her family |
| Favorite book | N/A |
| Favorite movie | N/A |
| Favorite food | N/A |
| Favorite color | N/A |
| Favorite animal | N/A |
| Favorite sport | N/A |
| Favorite destination | N/A |
| Net worth | Estimated to be around $5 million as of 2024 |
| Current residence | Rockville, Maryland |
Early Life & Education of Monica Turner
Monica Teresa Turner, a renowned pediatrician and the former spouse of boxing legend Mike Tyson, was born on February 27, 1967, in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Her parents were John Turner, an attorney, and Maebell Steele, a scout’s executive. She also had a half-brother from her mother’s side, Michael Steele, who rose to fame as a Republican leader and the first African-American chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Monica grew up in a well-educated and supportive family that encouraged her to pursue her dreams. She attended Regina High School, an all-girls Catholic institution that shut down in 1989. She graduated in 1987 with a double major in psychology and biology from the University of Virginia, one of the top public universities in the country.
Monica had a passion for learning and a keen interest in medicine, especially pediatrics. She wanted to help children and improve their health and well-being. She enrolled in Georgetown University School of Medicine, a prestigious medical school in Washington, D.C., and earned her degree in 1995. She balanced her family and career as she welcomed her daughter Rayna in 1996 and married Tyson in 1997, the same year her son Amir Tyson was born. In 2001, she started her residency in pediatrics at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Professional Career of Monica Turner
Dr. Monica Turner is a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of experience in providing compassionate and quality care to children and adolescents. She obtained her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency in pediatrics at the same institution. She is licensed to practice medicine in the DC state, where she has served the community since 2001.
Dr. Turner is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a professional organization that advocates for the health and well-being of children. She is committed to staying updated on the latest developments and best practices in her field. She has also participated in various research projects and publications related to pediatric health issues.
Dr. Turner is passionate about helping children grow and thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment. She believes in building trusting relationships with her patients and their families, and addressing their unique needs and concerns. She offers a range of services, including preventive care, immunizations, developmental screening, chronic disease management, and acute care.
She also served as the chief operating officer of a clothing company founded by her son, Amir, called Debonair Attire.
Monica Turner: Where is she now?
Dr. Turner is currently a resident of Rockville, MD, and is a devoted mother of three children: Gena, Rayna, and Amir. She loves to spend time with her family, travel, and read. She also participates in various charitable and community activities, such as supporting children’s education and empowerment. Dr. Turner suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, an incurable disease that affects the nervous system. Her son Amir, who founded Debonair Attire, a fashion and style company, in 2019, is inspired by her courage and generosity. He has donated to support the research and cure of MS.
Dr. Turner moved to Rockville, MD, after selling her lavish 18,244-square-foot mansion on Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda, MD, for $4.58 million in 2021.
Challanges and Controversies Faced by Monica Turner
- She had to endure Tyson’s imprisonment for rape and deviate conduct from 1992 to 1995, visiting him every two weeks while pursuing her medical studies.
- She had to cope with Tyson’s erratic behavior, lavish spending, and infidelity, which led to their divorce in 2003.
- She had to raise their two children, Amir and Rayna, as well as Tyson’s daughter from another relationship.
- She had to deal with the media attention and public scrutiny that came with being married to a celebrity.
- She had to balance her career as a pediatrician with her personal life and family responsibilities.
Networth of Monica Turner
| Period | Net Worth | Assets | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early marriage with Mike Tyson (1997-2002) | Unknown | Shared ownership of a mansion in Maryland | Unknown |
| After divorce with Mike Tyson (2003) | Over $6.5 million (settlement from Mike Tyson) | Ownership of the Maryland mansion | Unknown |
| 2021 | Over $4.58 million | Sold Maryland mansion | Unknown |
| Current (2024) | Estimated to be around $5 million as of 2024 | Unknown | Unknown |
Social Media Presence of Monica Turner
Monica Turner does not have any public profile on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or any other platform. She prefers to keep her life private and away from the spotlight.
But sometimes, she makes an appearance on the social media posts of her family and friends. For instance, she was spotted in a photo with her half-brother, Michael S. Steele, who was the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland. She also receives a lot of love and admiration from her son Tyson, who often posts about her on special occasions.
One such occasion was her 55th birthday on February 27, 2021. Amir Tyson shared a photo of her on Instagram and wrote a touching message for her. He said:
“Happy birthday to my favorite person on earth. I don’t know where I would be in my life without you always being in my corner. You’re immediately a second mom to all my friends that meet you because of your amazing and sweet soul. Wouldn’t be the man I am today without you. I can only hope the future mom of my kids will be as good of a mom as you. Love you!!!”
This post showed how much Amir Tyson respects and cherishes his mother, who raised him and his sister, Rayna, after divorcing Mike Tyson in 2003. Monica Turner has always been supportive of her children’s dreams and goals, and has maintained a friendly relationship with her ex-husband.
How Monica Turner Mourns the Loss of Her Beloved Mother Maebell Turner
On September 14, 2023, Maebell Turner passed away peacefully at the age of 96. She was a remarkable woman who lived a long and fruitful life. She was born on June 10, 1927 in St. Matthews, South Carolina and moved to Washington in 1945, where she raised her family and contributed to the espionage movement as a scout executive.
Her grandson, Amir Tyson, the son of Monica Turner and Mike Tyson, shared a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother on Instagram. He wrote:
One of the most important people in my life died yesterday. Helped raise me and was a big part of why I’m the person i am today. Loved my grandma so much and I’m going to miss her dearly but I’m glad she’s in a better place and will continue to make her proud.
Monica Turner also expressed her love and gratitude for her mother in a comment. She wrote:
She Loved you so so much ‼️ She would do anything for her grandkids! but she especially loved to make you happy when she cooked for you and loved to watch scary movies with you 🙂 She is our fierce angel now 😇 Always watching over and protecting as she did in life. i ❤️U
Maebell Turner is survived by her husband of 57 years John Turner; their children Michael Steele and Monica Turner; her grandchildren Mike Steele II, Gena Turner Sutton, Drew Steele, Rayna Tyson and Amir Tyson and a host of grand nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Triva of Monica Turner
- She was born on February 27, 1967.
- Her zodiac sign is Pisces, the fish. People born under this sign are said to be compassionate, intuitive, creative, and adaptable.
- Her birth flower is violet, which symbolizes faithfulness, modesty, and innocence. Violets are also associated with loyalty, wisdom, and humility.
- The birthstone for this date is amethyst, a purple variety of quartz. Amethyst is believed to have healing and protective properties, as well as enhancing spiritual awareness.
- Some of the famous celebrities who share ther birthday are:
- Jony Ive, an English designer who worked at Apple Inc. and created the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and other iconic products.
- James Worthy, an American basketball player who won three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
- Adam Baldwin, an American actor who starred in Firefly, Serenity, Chuck, and The Last Ship.
- Lindsey Morgan, an American actress who played Raven Reyes in The 100 and starred in Walker.
FAQs of Monica Turner
Q: Who is Monica Turner? A: Monica Turner is an American pediatrician and the former second wife of Mike Tyson, a former professional boxer and wrestler. She is also the half-sister of Michael S. Steele, the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland.
Q: How did Monica Turner and Mike Tyson meet? A: Monica Turner and Mike Tyson met at a party thrown by Eddie Murphy in 1990, who starred in Boomerang with Tyson’s first wife, Robin Givens. They became friends and kept in touch while Tyson was in prison for rape charges.
Q: When and where did Monica Turner and Mike Tyson get married? A: Monica Turner and Mike Tyson got married on April 19, 1997, in a quiet Muslim ceremony, and only invited their close friends and family members to participate in the special day. They set up their base in Maryland, where Turner worked as a pediatrician.
Q: How many children did Monica Turner and Mike Tyson have? A: Monica Turner and Mike Tyson had two children, a son named Amir and a daughter named Rayna. Turner also raised Tyson’s daughter from a previous relationship, named Mikey.
Q: Why did Monica Turner and Mike Tyson divorce? A: Monica Turner filed for divorce from Mike Tyson in early 2002, citing adultery and extravagant spending habits as the reasons. The divorce was finalized in January 2003, after months of negotiations. Turner received over $6.5 million settlement and primary custody of their children.
Q: What did Monica Turner do after the divorce? A: Monica Turner continued to work as a pediatrician in Bethesda, Maryland, and became an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She also co-founded a clothing company called Debonair Attire with her son Amir.
Q: What is Monica Turner’s relationship with Mike Tyson now? A: Monica Turner and Mike Tyson seem to have a cordial relationship now, as they have been seen together at some events involving their children. Tyson has also expressed his gratitude and respect for Turner, calling her “a very strong woman” and “a magnificent person” in an interview.
Q: What is Monica Turner’s net worth? A: Monica Turner’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. She earns most of her income from her profession as a pediatrician and her clothing business.
Q: How old is Monica Turner? A: Monica Turner is 57 years old as of January 2024, after she was born on Feburay 27, 1966.
Q: Is Monica Turner on social media? A: Yes, Monica Turner is not Instagram but she has make it private.
What happened to Sid Haig widow Susan L. Oberg? Unveiling about her in bio.
Who is Daphne Oz husband John Jovanovic? Net Worth, Wiki, Bio.
