logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

The Story behind Cicely Tyson Beating up a White Woman While Married to Miles Davis

Olowokandi Fiyin
Aug 27, 2019
10:26 A.M.
Late Miles Davis recalled in his autobiography how his ex-wife Cicely Tyson once beat up a woman because she was jealous.

Miles Davis was one of the greatest jazz musicians that ever lived. While his music uplifted many, his life was not as melodious as his tunes.

Jazz musician Miles Davis in action | Photo: Getty Images

Jazz musician Miles Davis in action | Photo: Getty Images

His life’s story was well- detailed in his autobiography titled “Miles,” and one particular tale about his ex-wife Cicely Tyson is worth sharing.

Like most men in the industry, Miles had a string of failed marriages. His third marriage was to legendary actress Cicely Tyson.

Cicely Tyson at the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre | Photo: Getty Images

Cicely Tyson at the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre | Photo: Getty Images

The power couple rocked the entertainment world as the biggest in their fields. However, their relationship was nothing short of tumultuous.

They often physically assaulted each other and sometimes went as far as hitting people of the opposite sex associated with their partner.

In his book, Miles recounted that Cicely was always jealous of someone taking her place in his life. She happily brought her friends to their home but never allowed any of his friends to come around.

However, the last straw for him happened when she attacked a female friend of his.

It happened that while they were living on Fifth Avenue and 79th Street, Miles met a white woman who soon became his friend.

Cicely Tyson attends the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre | Photo: Getty Images

Cicely Tyson attends the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre | Photo: Getty Images

According to him, their relationship was purely platonic. They met in the elevator of a friend’s building, and any time they saw each other, they would greet and chat a little before going their separate ways.

Gradually, he noticed that Cicely began getting jealous of their relationship, and that was when the inevitable happened.

Miles explained they Cicely attacked the woman in broad daylight and beat her to a pulp. Sadly, the woman was with her seven-year-old son, but Cicely didn’t care about that.

About the occurrence, Miles wrote:

“Cicely thought I was going with the woman; she had convinced herself I was. But I wasn’t.”

Two years after that, they had another altercation in 1986 when he was performing at the Beacon Theatre in New York.

As usual, they had gotten into an argument, and before he knew it, Cicely jumped on his back and pulled out his hair.

That was the last straw for Miles as he made up his mind to leave her. They eventually

in 1988.

Cicely Tyson attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland | Photo: Getty Images

Cicely Tyson attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland | Photo: Getty Images

A TIMELINE OF MILES’ RELATIONSHIPS

Miles was first married to dancer-turned-actress Frances Taylor in December 1960. All was going well until the singer began to assault her. Taylor endured until she couldn’t stay anymore. They separated in 1965.

Musician Miles Davis's first wife Frances Davis attends "The Genius of Miles Davis" exhibition opening reception at Zune L.A. | Photo: Getty Images

Musician Miles Davis's first wife Frances Davis attends "The Genius of Miles Davis" exhibition opening reception at Zune L.A. | Photo: Getty Images

After their split, he married Betty Mabry in 1968, but their union lasted shortly as Davis accused her of cheating on him with Jimi Hendrix.

Miles Davis, RFH, London, 1989. Artist: Brian O'Connor | Photo: Getty Images

Miles Davis, RFH, London, 1989. Artist: Brian O'Connor | Photo: Getty Images

After Betty was his tumultuous marriage to

, which ended after nine years.

Miles died at the age of 65 in September 1991 after suffering from bouts of bronchial pneumonia.

Related posts

Malia Obama, 25, Debuts Her Alias & Ditches Family Surname after Starting Movie Career

February 22, 2024

Father of 6 Adopted Kids Dies at 39 While Going to Work after Holidays — Tragic Details

January 03, 2024

Celine Dion Receives Support from Her Sister Whom She Once Gave $100K

December 20, 2023

'Mary Poppins' Star Glynis Johns Dies in Assisted Living Home after Celebrating 100th Birthday

January 05, 2024

Melissa McCarthy, 53, Flaunts Amazing Figure in Tight Jumpsuit after Losing ‘A Lot of Weight’: Photos

February 20, 2024

Melissa McCarthy, 53, Flaunts Amazing Figure in Tight Jumpsuit after Losing ‘A Lot of Weight’: Photos

February 20, 2024

This Lady Captured the Heart of 'James Bond' Star and One-Time Sexiest Man Alive Who Showers Her with Praises

November 15, 2023

How Former President Barack Obama's Daughters Live Now: They Shop at Yard Sales & Are Budget-Savvy

January 23, 2024

'Starsky & Hutch' Star David Soul Dies at 80 After 'Valiant Battle for Life' with Soulmate Wife by His Side

January 05, 2024

Melissa McCarthy, 53, Sparks Clashing Reactions as She Shows off Figure in Metallic Dress after Weight Loss

February 26, 2024

Who Is Snoop Dogg’s Daughter Who Suffered ‘Severe Stroke’ at 24?

January 22, 2024

Ryan O'Neal's 4 Kids: Two Were Raised with 'No Food', While One Became Oscar-Winner

December 13, 2023

Jamie Lee Curtis Reveals Secret to Nearly 40-Year Marriage with Husband, Who Raised Their Kids & Supported Her during Recovery

January 10, 2024

'Final Days': Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Were Together Under Hospice Care Surrounded by Family

November 19, 2023