Tyson Review: A Strange Documentary — And That's Before Trump Shows Up

Netflix has released a new four-part documentary series about famous boxer Mike Tyson. The show covers his life from growing up very poor in Brooklyn, New York, to becoming one of the most well-known fighters in the world. Many critics say the series is one-sided and refuses to hold Tyson responsible for serious things he did in the past. It has also drawn attention because former U.S. President Donald Trump appears in it to defend Tyson.

The documentary begins by showing how hard Tyson's childhood was. He grew up in extreme poverty in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and sometimes robbed other kids. As a teenager, while in a juvenile detention center, he met a coach named Bobby Stewart, who saw his talent for boxing. Stewart introduced him to a famous manager named Cus D'Amato, who told young Tyson he would one day be heavyweight champion of the world.

Tyson went on to have a brilliant career as a professional boxer. Early sparring partner Lennox Lewis said that even as a young fighter, Tyson was incredibly powerful. Tragedy struck when D'Amato, who was like a father figure to Tyson, died in 1985. Still, Tyson kept rising to the top of the sport and became hugely famous. As Tyson says in the series, 'It was awesome being young and having all of that attention.'

The documentary also covers some very serious and troubling parts of Tyson's past. It brings up his short marriage to actress Robin Givens and claims that he was violent toward her. A journalist named Wallace Matthews says Tyson did not deny fighting with Givens but said he did not hurt her. Givens chose not to give an interview for the series, and she later denied that she had been beaten.

The series also has an episode about Tyson's rape conviction, which many critics say is handled poorly. Tyson was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman named Desiree Washington and served three years in prison. In the documentary, most people interviewed seem to doubt that Tyson was actually guilty. Only a few voices take Washington's side, which critics say makes the episode feel very unfair.

Donald Trump appears in the documentary to speak up for Tyson. Trump says that Tyson is 'very truthful' and that the truth hurt him in court. He also complains that the media was tough on Tyson, then adds, 'They're rough on me, and I'm the president!' Critics have called Trump's appearance baffling and said it only added to the strange, uncomfortable feeling of the show.

The documentary also covers other parts of Tyson's life, like his struggles with drugs and alcohol and his famous face tattoo. His son calls him a 'deadbeat,' and Tyson admits he acted like 'a spoiled brat' in the ring — including the time he bit opponent Evander Holyfield's ear twice. There is also deep sadness in the story of his young daughter, Exodus, who died in an accident at just four years old.

The documentary ends with Tyson trying a powerful drug called DMT, sometimes nicknamed 'the toad.' He cries while using it and invites the show's director to join him. Critics say the whole series feels like it is trying to protect Tyson's image rather than tell the full truth. Many viewers are left feeling uncomfortable — not just by Tyson's past, but by the way the documentary chooses to present it.