Mike Tyson Copycat Tattoo Sparks Lawsuit
There’s one guy in the world who is not looking forward to the repeat out-of-control hijinxs from the Hangover 2 party dudes: Mike Tyson’s tattoo artist.
S. Victor Whitmill, the man responsible for Tyson’s face ink, is suing Warner Bros.over the duplicated face art that actor Ed Helms sports in the highly anticipated comedy sequel. Whitmill is asking a judge for an injunction to stop the release of Hangover 2 in May over Memorial Day weekend.
The complaint filed in a federal court in Missouri argues that, “When Mr. Whitmill created the Original Tattoo, Mr. Tyson agreed that Mr. Whitmill would own the artwork and thus, the copyright in the Original Tattoo.”
Because Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. allegedly copied the award-winning tattoo artist’s design without getting his permission or crediting him the suit says that the replica look is “copyright infringement.”
Tyson, who gave a memorable and hilarious cameo in the original Hangover, will also appear in Hangover 2, so Helms’s character face tattoo is a direct reference to the former heavyweight champion.
(Photos, from left: Jason Kempin/Getty Images, Warner Bros.)