Mike Tyson condemns Hulu for ‘stealing’ his life story, calling drama ‘tone-deaf cultural misappropriation’

Former heavyweight champion accused streaming service of ‘corporate greed’ and called for boycott

Mike Tyson has called for a boycott against Hulu after the streaming service announced it is releasing a new series about his life.

The eight-episode show is titled Iron Mike and is written and produced by the makers of I, Tonya, which includes director Craig Gillespie, writer Steven Rogers and producer Margot Robbie, plus showrunner Karen Gist.

In a press release, the streamer said: “The series explores the wild, tragic and controversial life and career behind one of the most polarising figures in sports culture – heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.”

The sports star reacted to the announcement with an Instagram post calling for a boycott of the streaming service.

He wrote: “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.” 

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He added: “Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. The real Mike Tyson authorised 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.”

The Independent has contacted Hulu for comment.

Tyson was the world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He has been at the centre of many controversies, with his first wife Robin Givens accusing him of physical abuse.

Tyson later told Oprah Winfrey on her show in 2009: “I have socked her before and she socked me before, as well. It was just that kind of relationship.”

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He was convicted of the rape of an 18-year-old woman – Desiree Washington, Miss Black Rhode Island – in 1992, for which he served time in prison.

Tyson also made headlines for biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a 1997 boxing fight, assaulting two motorists in 1999, and being in possession of cocaine and driving under the influence in 2007. 

Several screen works have been made about his life already, and Jamie Foxx will also portray the boxer in an upcoming film.