Mike Tyson has become one of the most extraordinary lifestyle product pitchmen in the last few years, using his unique experiences to explain his product choices.
However, now his well-known love for cannabis has turned a different direction with Tyson’s introduction of his cannabis gummies brand shaped like a bitten ear.
“Iron” Mike famously bit a piece of former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield’s ear during their infamous 1997 rematch for the WBA heavyweight title Tyson had lost to Holyfield just a year earlier.
What’s next? A rebranding of domestic abuse with Robbin Givens’ face?
How does one of the most deplorable and shocking events in sports become a marketing tool to earn millions?
It ain’t funny. pic.twitter.com/ZaMw6sX3G4
— charisma carpenter (@AllCharisma) March 17, 2022
The Infamous Bite
The incident sent ripples through sports as one of the most unsportsmanlike things to happen, and it was in real time on pay-per-view.
Now Tyson uses it as clever marketing, turning pop culture famous fail into a tool to sell his cannabis edibles. Unfortunately, the polarizing move has caused the ire of some who feel that Tyson is taking one man’s trauma and turning it into profit.
Former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actress Charisma Carpenter caught wind of Tyson’s new move and decided to call him and his cannabis brand Tyson 2.0 out.
“What’s next? A rebranding of domestic abuse with Robbin Givens’ face?” Carpenter said on Twitter. “How does one of the most deplorable and shocking events in sports become a marketing tool to earn millions? It ain’t funny.”
Mike Tyson’s weed company is making edibles in the shape of an ear. Genius pic.twitter.com/VOU3uAMzOf
— Greg Baroth (@gbaroth) March 14, 2022
Tyson 2.0
Steered by industry veterans Adam Wilks and Chad Bronstein, Tyson 2.0 provides retailers nationwide with a suite of products designed to reach Mike Tyson’s vast national audience. The company’s mission is to produce “innovative,” high-quality cannabis products known for purity, precision, and broad accessibility.
“Cannabis has always played an important role in my life. My vision for Tyson 2.0 is to make high-quality cannabis products available to consumers at various price points,” said Tyson in a statement.
“With Adam and Chad’s leadership, I am confident that the Tyson brand of products will exceed market expectations. Cannabis has changed me for the good both mentally and physically, and I want to share that gift with others who are also seeking relief.”
Mike Tyson signing autographs
Phoenix, AZ (1998) pic.twitter.com/byTN6hAVX0
— Fight Pics That Go Hard (@fightpicsgohard) March 18, 2022
Reedemable
Tyson has been open and honest about his struggles with mental health and past hard narcotics usage. He is a staunch advocate of the plant and psychedelic remedies like toad venom to alleviate emotional and mental illnesses.
I believe in second chances + the healing benefits of cannabis, for sure. -When there is evidence of remorse and rehabilitation. But the market and branding of this ear product does neither.
It’s irreverent, dismissive and exploitive of the pain Tyson has inflicted. pic.twitter.com/FiiKI0rTUV— charisma carpenter (@AllCharisma) March 17, 2022
For Carpenter, the bitten ear product negates Tyson’s time and work to move past the Holyfield incident.
“I believe in second chances + the healing benefits of cannabis, for sure. -When there is evidence of remorse and rehabilitation. But the market and branding of this ear product does neither. It’s irreverent, dismissive and exploitive of the pain Tyson has inflicted.”
The Struggle Is Real
Tyson has slowly climbed back from prison and depletion of his wealth to have multiple businesses, a consistent entertainment and media presence, and an enlightened outlook on life.
With his top-rated “HOTBOXIN” podcast, multiple business endeavors, and ubiquitous pop culture ethos, Tyson remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern sports and entertainment history.
As a renegade that has traversed life abiding by his rules, Tyson’s newest cannabis product is a tongue-in-cheek lemon-turned-lemonade.
Everyone isn’t happy with the squeeze.
