Former American boxing champion Mike Tyson has accused the upcoming Hulu series of “stealing his life story”, comparing the platform to a “slave trader”.
The new drama series “Mike,” which premieres Aug. 25 on Hulu, traces the boxer’s life from childhood to his in-ring stunts to his 1992 rape conviction.
“They stole my life story and didn’t pay me,” Mike Tyson blasted on Instagram on Saturday.
“Hulu is the streaming equivalent of a slave trader,” he added.
The platform, available only in the United States, is majority owned by Disney.
One of the series’ eight episodes will focus on Desiree Washington, taking the perspective of the 18-year-old beauty queen who accused Mike Tyson of rape in 1991. The star was convicted the following year and had spent three years in prison.
Steven Rogers, creator and screenwriter of “Mike” claims not to have “been able to discuss” with Mr. Tyson because another project already had “the rights” to the story of his life.
“I don’t like to rely on a single source”, he assures to defend his biographical work produced without the approval of the ex-heavyweight champion.
While evoking the accusations of domestic violence which weigh on Mike Tyson, the series also narrates the abuse suffered by the star in his childhood, the loss of his mother due to cancer when he was a teenager as well as his problems drug addiction and mental health.
“I hope if he watches (the series) he will change his mind,” added Steven Rogers.