Private Text Messages Reveal Intimate Ties Between DiBiase Family and Mississippi Official

Prosecutors say messages show personal relationship influenced welfare fund distribution

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Text messages revealed in court have become central evidence in the federal welfare fraud trial involving former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr. Prosecutors claim the messages demonstrate an unusually close relationship between the DiBiase family and a powerful Mississippi official, John Davis, the former director of the state's Department of Human Services. The messages include emotional exchanges where Davis professes love for Brett DiBiase and expresses extreme loyalty toward Ted DiBiase Jr., raising questions about how millions in federal welfare funds were distributed through nonprofit contracts.

Why it matters

The intimate nature of the relationship between the DiBiase family and the state official overseeing welfare funds is seen as highly problematic, as it may have influenced the distribution of millions in federal assistance money that prosecutors allege was misused for personal expenses rather than public programs.

The details

Prosecutors introduced a series of text messages exchanged between Ted DiBiase Jr., his brother Brett DiBiase, and former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis. In one exchange, Brett DiBiase told Davis, "I don't know where I stand with you... Every time I think of you I want to be with you." Davis responded, "I love you. I love you. I love you." Another message from Brett said, "It's only when I'm with you I feel safe enough to sleep." Davis acknowledged the relationship had grown deeply personal, stating, "I got very close to Brett." The court also heard about a separate exchange involving Ted DiBiase Jr., where Davis expressed, "I will freaking die for you," and DiBiase replied, "It would be my honor to die for you, bro."

  • The text messages were revealed in court on March 4, 2026 during the federal welfare fraud trial involving Ted DiBiase Jr.

The players

Ted DiBiase Jr.

A former professional wrestler and the son of WWE Hall of Famer 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase, who is on trial for federal welfare fraud.

Brett DiBiase

The brother of Ted DiBiase Jr. who is also involved in the federal welfare fraud case.

John Davis

The former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services who prosecutors say had an unusually intimate relationship with the DiBiase brothers.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know where I stand with you... Every time I think of you I want to be with you.”

— Brett DiBiase (16 WAPT News Jackson)

“I love you. I love you. I love you.”

— John Davis, Former Mississippi Department of Human Services Director (16 WAPT News Jackson)

“It's only when I'm with you I feel safe enough to sleep.”

— Brett DiBiase (16 WAPT News Jackson)

“I will freaking die for you.”

— John Davis, Former Mississippi Department of Human Services Director (16 WAPT News Jackson)

“It would be my honor to die for you, bro.”

— Ted DiBiase Jr. (16 WAPT News Jackson)

What’s next

As the trial continues, the text messages are expected to remain a key piece of evidence that prosecutors will use to argue the DiBiase family's close relationship with the state official influenced the distribution of millions in federal welfare funds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse when personal relationships and emotional ties become intertwined with the oversight and distribution of public assistance funds, raising broader questions about the need for stronger safeguards and transparency in how taxpayer money is allocated through government programs.