Texas Sen. Ted Cruz criticized Donald Trump’s support for Mike Tyson, a former professional boxer and convicted rapist, in Indiana on Friday.
Cruz contrasted Tyson’s support for Trump with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s support for Cruz.
“I’m proud to stand with Carly Fiorina and I’m proud to stand with Governor Mike Pence. At the same time, who is Donald Trump standing with? Mike Tyson,” Cruz said. “Mike Tyson spent three years in prison here in Indiana for rape. And yet in Donald Trump’s world this convicted rapist is a “tough guy.” You know, I’ve got news for Donald Trump, rapists are not tough guys.”
In 1992, Tyson was convicted of raping a beauty pageant contestant in Indiana. Trump has previously challenged the female victim’s account and said she “was in his hotel room late in the evening at her own will.”
On Thursday, Trump said he was glad to have the endorsement of Tyson, who Trump described as a “tough guy.”
Cruz said he thinks Trump’s support for Tyson explains the entire 2016 GOP primary.
“Anyone who believes a convicted rapist is a tough guy, you can understand the whole race right there,” Cruz said. “I think the people of Indiana see a clear and simple contrast and I have enormous faith in the good judgment and common sense of Hoosiers.”
Cruz campaigned across Indiana on Friday and will appear with Fiorina on Fox News’ “Hannity” in primetime.
