Mike Tyson’s tattoo artist suing Warner Bros. for copying his art in The Hangover II

Mike Tyson’s tattoo artist, S. Victor Whitmill, who gave the boxer his well-known Maori-inspired face tat, is suing Warner Bros. for copying that same design on one of the character’s in the movie, Stu (played by Ed Helms).

Stu's Mike Tyson-inspired tattoo

In the movie, the characters wakes up with a tattoo just like Tyson’s, but can’t remember how it happens. According to EW, Whitmill is claiming that it’s copyright infringement. The case if pursued can lead to a delay in the release date of the movie. Ok, now this pisses me off. Why you gotta ruin it for the rest of us?! This is probably the only movie in months that I’m really looking forward to. Moreover, this statement from Tyson might make things even more difficult:

“But Whitmill’s case might be bolstered by a statement from Tyson, who appears in both Hangover films, agreeing that “all artwork, sketches and drawings related to my tattoo and any photographs of my tattoo are property” of Whitmill.” [Entertainment Weekly]

What do you guys think? Do you think he should be compensated for their use of Tyson’s tattoo in the movie? I think Whitmill can end up making a lot more money with their use of it actually (getting a cut if they end up selling similar temporary tattoos, or gaining more clientele).

x
Shy

Archives

Recent Comments