Dennis Rodman’s alleged North Korea hotel meltdown resurfaces as Trump brings him back into the spotlight
A disturbing 2014 allegation follows the Bulls legend, but his later return complicates claims that he is no longer welcome
Dennis Rodman once helped Michael Jordan win championships. Years later, his unlikely friendship with Kim Jong Un gave him access to a world few Americans ever see. Now, his appearance alongside President Donald Trump has brought renewed attention to an alleged hotel incident that supposedly put that relationship at risk.
Rodman joined Trump in Texas on October 1, where the president highlighted the former NBA star’s connection to North Korea’s leader. Reuters reported that Trump has expressed interest in meeting Kim again, although Rodman’s appearance did not establish that a new North Korea trip had been arranged.
What the North Korea hotel report actually claimed
The allegation dates to February 2014. The Korea Times, citing an unnamed source through Free North Korea Radio, reported that Rodman became heavily intoxicated at Pyongyang’s Koryo Hotel, allegedly vomiting, urinating and defecating in a hallway.
The source claimed authorities warned him that he would not be welcome back without completing treatment for alcohol abuse. The account remains an attributed allegation, rather than an independently established description of what happened.
Rodman returned in June 2017. Associated Press reporting documented his arrival and reception by a North Korean sports official. That visit does not establish the current state of his relationship with Kim.
For basketball fans, Rodman’s unpredictability was familiar long before those trips. He won three championships alongside Jordan with the Chicago Bulls , bringing relentless rebounding and defense to their second three-peat.
The Last Dance also revisited his midseason Las Vegas break, illustrating the unusual balancing act surrounding a teammate whose contribution on the court was essential.
That combination of sporting greatness and unpredictable behavior helps explain why Rodman still draws attention. His North Korea connection is real, and the hotel allegation has a traceable source.
What the available reporting does not establish is that Kim ended their friendship over it or that Rodman is unwelcome today.
