Hulu announces a Mike Tyson limited series: Boxer slams it as "tone-deaf cultural misappropriation"

The Hollywood Reporter

In the eight-episode limited series Iron Mike, the team behind I, Tonya will explore the wild, tragic and controversial life and career behind what Hulu calls "one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture." Tyson has had his ups, considered as one of the greatest heavyweight champions, and downs as a former prison convicted of rape. The former heavyweight champion is not involved with the series in any capacity, but The Hollywood Reporter reports that Hulu executives briefed him and his team on the series a couple months ago. "Hulu's announcement to do an unauthorized miniseries of my life, although unfortunate, isn't surprising," Tyson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "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 my 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. My authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days." I, Tonya screenwriter Steven Rogers created Iron Mike, with Mixed-ish executive producer Karin Gist on board as showrunner. I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie will direct the series and serve as an executive producer.