Mike Tyson calls upcoming Hulu series 'inappropriate' and 'tone deaf'
Well, Mike Tyson did make a living by punching back.
Shortly after it was revealed that Hulu will host an eight-part series titled Iron Mike about Tyson's storied life and career, the 54-year-old took to Instagram to slam the streamer and project as a whole:
Tyson's full caption, which he gave to The Hollywood Reporter as an exclusive statement earlier Thursday, reads as follows:
"Hulu's announcement to do an unauthorized mini-series of the Tyson story without compensation, although unfortunate, isn't surprising. This announcement on the heels of social disparities in our country is a prime example of how Hulu's corporate greed led to this tone-deaf cultural misappropriation of the Tyson life story. To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu's concern for dollars over respect for black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. The real Mike Tyson authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days. Hulu to announce stealing a black athletes story during Black History month couldn't be more inappropriate or tone deaf. #boycotthulu #corporategreed"
The referenced "real Mike Tyson authorized story" could be Finding Mike, which Jamie Foxx teased last June:
Iron Mike will boast screenwriter Steven Rogers and director Craig Gillespie, according to Deadline's Peter White, and both men are known for their work on biopic I, Tonya (2017). White added that actress Margot Robbie, who portrayed titular ice skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, and Karin Gist (Mixed-ish) are attached as executive producers.
Tyson's life has involved more than enough material in and out of the ring. The trouble will be fitting it all within eight episodes. The boxing icon first made history at 20 years old as the youngest-ever heavyweight champion. Tyson has a 50-6-0 all-time record, including 44 knockouts and WBA, WBC and IBF world titles. However, his especially violent nature is what has pervaded pop culture. The Brooklyn native was charged and convicted of rape in 1992, then served three years in prison before resuming his athletic career in 1996.
In 1997, his license to fight was revoked after biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear. Nearly 15 years later, Tyson is still fighting. He most recently participated in an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. in late November, and the bout ended in a draw.
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