Response to Concerns Over Casting of Mike Tyson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Dear Joyful Heart Community,
It recently came to light that Mike Tyson was cast in a guest-starring role on an upcoming episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. We understand this has caused a great deal of concern to some fans of the show, many of whom are also supporters of the Joyful Heart Foundation. I wanted to take a moment, on behalf of everyone at Joyful Heart, to respond to that feedback.
First and foremost, I want to say, “We hear you.” We acknowledge and recognize that this casting decision may be confusing, triggering and perhaps even painful for some people–especially those who are survivors of violence and abuse.
For more than a decade, SVU has been instrumental in shining a much-needed light on the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. In fact, Joyful Heart would not exist if not for the show and the path it created for our founder and president to awaken to the realities of sexual violence and forge a deep connection to survivors.
In recent years, the Foundation has been fortunate to partner with SVU to raise awareness around key issues including the backlog of untested rape kits, the affects of sexual abuse on young men and boys, and other topics that are all too often shrouded in darkness. Our partnership is based on our intention to shine a light on these issues to help increase awareness and understanding, lessen shame and stigma for survivors and, ultimately, change our collective response to violence and abuse.
And while we are proud of our work with the show, it is not a part of any formal relationship. While we have been blessed to work collaboratively on many occasions, final production decisions are outside of the role of Joyful Heart’s relationship to the show. We were not aware of this casting choice and we have formally expressed our concerns to the executives and producers at SVU.
At Joyful Heart, we strive to keep survivors at the center of all we do, and have abiding compassion for those who have suffered as a result of violence and abuse. We are deeply sorry if this choice on the part of SVU has, in any way, caused any hurt.
With deep gratitude for your continued support,
Maile Zambuto
Chief Executive Officer
Joyful Heart Foundation
| Print article | This entry was posted by Maile on January 25, 2013 at 11:16 pm, and is filed under From Joyful Heart. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
- REPORT: Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation Unaware of Mike Tyson ‘SVU’ Casting « Hollywood Television Critics
- Why People Believe SVU Casting Mike Tyson is a Stunt | My Blog
- Why is Mike Tyson to star in a crime drama about rape?
- Why is Mike Tyson to star in a crime drama about rape? | SportForArabs.com
- Why is Mike Tyson to star in a crime drama about rape? – Unofficial Network
- Mariska Hargitay’s foundation distances itself from decision to cast Mike Tyson on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ | TWP
- Mike Tyson On ‘SVU’ Role: ‘It Has Nothing To Do With Me’ | A-selah
- Why is Mike Tyson to star in a crime drama about rape? | Womens Health
about 3 months ago
Well done! Thank you so much! I believe all reasonable people will deeply appreciate your approach. You have had both my financial and moral support, and I will continue to do so proudly. Bridgette Rodriguez @BridgetteRodrig , http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.rodriguez.5?ref=tn_tnmn
about 3 months ago
I became aware of this casting today, and have read different opinions about it. I have a couple of opinions myself, but I do not have enough information to form a conclusion. I am confused too, maybe disappointed.
I understand that JHF, or Mariska Hargitay, are the ones who write the show, or make executive decisions. They are advocates for survivors, and go above and beyond with their actions. So, our reactions should be more towards the ones who do make the decisions.
We don’t know the purpose of this, is it appealing to a different audience? Perhaps to sexual offenders who are active and maybe will see themselves in a real life sexual offender? That’s the only sensible conclusion I have, but still, it’s a little too audacious as a choice for a boxer who bit off an ear, among other shenannigans.
I will not go on about my perception of Tyson at all. Too much to say.
I hope SVU upper staff does at least recognize the torment, concern, and reactions to this coming episode, at the very least, without being defensive.
I fully appreciate that Ms. Zambuto has come forward with her statement about this issue, recognizing and acknowledging our thoughts and feelings about this controversy. Sometimes, that’s just the beginning, and it helps.
Tyson’s participation in the show will not erase all the good JHF has done. Worst case scenario, you can skip that episode. I might sign up for that, although curiosity might win!
We carry this load all together. One man on screen cannot take away our sisterhood. Although, I gotta say this is awfully similar to what George Costanza would do, given the opportunity. WWGCD? Yup… just that…
JHF, Mariska, all the staff and affiliates, thank you for your work. And thanks so much for at least, at the very least, acknowledging our concerns.
about 3 months ago
Thank you for acknowleding what I believe have been an outpouring of concern regarding Mike Tyson , a convicted rapist, apearing on #SVU. While I am aware that the Joyful Heart Foundation itself, as an entity, shares no formal relationship with NBC , Mariska Hargitay, as The Joyful Hearts founder and President does. Her extrodinary belief and commitment in and for the rights of sexual assault and domestic violence victims and the need for awareness is what I have been led to believe forged her commitment to the founding of this very important organization.
As an actress, I am sure many do not have creative input into the show or its contents. In this case I do not believe that. It is clear from the history of Law and Order and Dick Wolf that while the series was exceedingly popular, it ran it’s course with the only”survivor”being SVU-in great part becuase of Mariska Hargitay’s presence. If she were to leave, I have doubts as to whether the show could carry on.
She has brought public awareness, through the show, to issues such as the backlog of DNA kits , often leading to the dismissal of rape kits among many other issues that remained unspoken for so many years. She put a public face to “victims”"and used her influence for good.
I am a survivor of rape. Though two years ago, I still jump at noises and am very involved in personal therapy and support groups. I have moved to survivor through the support of too many to count including Safe Horizon and The Joyful Heart Foundation. I have had a long career in non-profit, presenty the Director of Social Services for an organization in Harlem. I have returned to what I love with trepidation but with strength to continue to fight for those with no voice. My experience was not a SVU episode,. The SVU Detective was no like Eliot Stahbler and the DA was not like Alex. But I am still here here to tell my story. We will be having a wellness expo and will invite folks from Joyful Heart and Mariska Hargitay to meet our victims of DV and share what Joyful Heart is all about. One of Mariska’s SVU colleagues was an honoree at our fundraiser last year.
I cannot say I am not personally disappointed. When Katie Couric had 50Cent on directly after a tremendously moving show about human traficking, we heard from her. Now it is time to hear from Mariska herself. Yes, Joyful Heart is not “directly ïnvolved-but your founder is. And she, for many of us, stands for all we believe in. All we fight for. We believe she fights for us when we can’t fight. Thank you again for your response. I do believe it is time for Mariska to step forward. This is hurtful to the Jouful Heart Foundation-the organization she founded to fight against sexual violence and raise awareness of subjects previously unspoken.
about 3 months ago
I justed wanted to say that I appreciate everything you said and “hear” you, but wanted to bring to your attention that Mariska’s NBC contract in all likelihood prevents her from speaking publicly on anything that could cast a negative view on NBC. (That is typical of contracts for actors and others who have high profile employers.) That having been said, please read the above post by the JHF again and listen to your heart–I think you’ll hear Mariska…
about 3 months ago
I totally agree with brid1234 that Mariska contractually can probably not voice publicly her feelings on the casting of Tyson, but you can hear her through Maile’s blog post. I believe if you read between the lines in this TV Guide Kreck’s Exclusive with Tyson you will hear her voice as well http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mike-Tyson-SVU-1060070.aspx
Thank you Maile and JHF for your response.
This casting decision by Warren Leight and Jonathan Strauss Casting (and whichever other PTBs) was offensive and baffling from the start and since then has caused significant hurt, anger, feelings of betrayal, confusion and a divide among some loyal SVU fans.
And unfortunately the damage to the SVU brand and reputation that has been caused by casting Tyson has caused some collateral damage to completely innocent parties.
From a public relations standpoint the outcry seemingly should have been easily anticipated by Leight and Strauss & other PTBs. I’m still shocked the idea of casting Tyson was even uttered let alone actually sought out and executed.
I won’t be watching the now Feb. 6 episode, obviously moved up for damage control—after so much damage has already been done. I certainly don’t want SVU to end because it has been so instrumental as Maile stated and I know the decisions by some in power do not reflect the opinions of many.
I thought previously that those who made this casting decision already got it and understood. Sadly mistaken there, but maybe just maybe with the tweets, petition, letters, e-mails, media coverage, etc… they are starting to get it now.
about 3 months ago
I am very glad that Maile Zambuto commented on NBC’s recent casting of Mike Tyson on Law and Order: SVU. I understand and feel completely that this casting may harm many survivors and victims of rape and bring about painful feelings and emotions. Having an ex-rapist as a guest-star on SVU seems very weird and I appreciate very much the concern the JHF expressed.
As a survivor myself and still very involved in my own healing process, I was first shocked myself and almost scared. Then I had to sit back and take a deep breath and do some grounding work. I realized that this situation is almost happening in my real life right now. I am currently participating in a Work Readiness Program through New York State for persons with disabilities. When I started this program, I had to write an essay as a part of a Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (DVE) and briefly wrote about how and why Law and Order: SVU influenced my life. My job coach discussed with me my essay and expressed her concern to me because there were two ex sex-offenders in the program. She told me though that they didn’t have any criminal offenses for the past 5-10 years and are also in counseling.
I was very glad that she made me aware of the situation because it allowed me to process it and talk about it with my counselor at St. Luke’s CVTC. I was not too hurt, but at first I just prayed that they wouldn’t all of a sudden have these urges again. However, I decided to be aware of the situation and accept it to the best of my ability. I believe these two men really regret what they did in the past (I never approached them about it though) and want to get a better life, as much as I do. I want to heal from the pain and be able to find job and reclaim my life “free” from flashbacks and negative feelings about myself, my body, and sexuality. I am still scared if a man stands behind me, especially at night and usually just walk away. I can’t let this situation get in my way of the progress I made so far. I have to grow from within myself and deal with uncomfortable and difficult situations as they come about. I am taking one step and day at a time.
Going back to NBC’s controversial casting of Mike Tyson, I do think that this affect many survivors and victims in different ways and may harm many of them. Every person heals differently and this casting also triggers a vast variety of feelings among survivors and victims. Every victim and survivor has to the right to form his or her own opinion and deal with this in their own way. I am approaching it with an open mind and compassion and think that Mike Tyson has changed a lot in the past years. Since I began my healing journey, I have learned that forgiving is the first step. Holding on to the past and, especially hating and spreading hate, doesn’t foster a positive experience at all. In fact it makes it more difficult to let go and be able to slowly reclaim your life.
I am very grateful that I got to know the Joyful Heart Foundation and that I met Mariska. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now and situations like the one I am in now would be very overwhelming and scary. However, I have learned and am still learning to look at uncomfortable situations in a positive way while always assessing the potential problems and make sure that I am safe.
Well, I hope I could express a little bit how I feel about this whole issue. In no way, I would dismiss any survivor or victim or anybody involved with JHF because of their different opinions or feelings.
With gratitude,
Corinne Pina
about 3 months ago
Thank you for this message of understanding and support. For me personally, it does help to know that others have the same outlook on the situation and feel the same emotions. I greatly appreciate everything the Joyful Heart Foundation has done to support survivors of sexual assault; it really does shine some light during the darkest of times.