Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has scored a major procedural win in his complex legal dispute with executives from his weed business venture.
According to sources, a federal judge in Illinois rejected a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, clearing the way for Tyson and his co-plaintiff, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair to pursue their claims against five individuals they say orchestrated a scheme to drain resources from their marijuana enterprises.
The lawsuit filed in December 2025 targets Chad Bronstein, Adam Wilks, Nicole Cosby, James Case, and Christopher Volo, all associated with Carma, the company behind weed brands linked to the two sporting legends. The plaintiffs are seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages.
At the heart of the complaint are allegations that company executives misused their authority to redirect business funds for personal gain while concealing financial arrangements that should have benefited Tyson and Flair. According to the lawsuit, two of the executives improperly funneled more than $1 million in company money to pay for private jet travel, yacht-related expenses, and renovations to their own homes.
The plaintiffs contend these were personal luxuries disguised as business costs. Meanwhile, other defendants allegedly received hidden payments through commercial deals negotiated behind Tyson and Flair’s backs, depriving the sports icons of earnings they were entitled to under their partnership agreements.
The legal action invokes the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a statute typically reserved for cases involving organized patterns of wrongdoing. All five defendants sought to have the case thrown out, but the judge declined their request, allowing the litigation to advance.
A representative for Tyson and the other plaintiffs welcomed the decision, stating, “This ruling represents a significant development in our clients’ pursuit of justice.”
The representative characterized the alleged conduct as “serious financial misconduct and a calculated betrayal of the obligations owed to them and their businesses.”
Looking ahead, the representative emphasized the plaintiffs’ readiness to press forward: “The Court’s decision allows the litigation to move forward, and we welcome that opportunity. Our clients are prepared to pursue the evidence, hold those responsible accountable, and seek the full measure of relief available under the law.”
The defendants continue to deny any wrongdoing, and the judge’s ruling does not determine liability or award any compensation. The decision simply means the case will proceed through the federal court system, where both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue their positions.
The dispute centers on commercial ventures built around the powerful brand appeal of Tyson and Flair, both of whom have lent their names and reputations to products in the rapidly expanding weed industry. While the ruling marks a significant step forward for the plaintiffs, the ultimate financial outcome and legal resolution remain uncertain as the case moves into its next phase.
