Watch Mike Tyson On ‘Law & Order: SVU’

Former champ set for controversial appearance on NBC hit

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion turned part-time actor, makes his much-anticipated appearance on Law & Order: SVU on Wednesday (9 p.m. ET/PT, NBC).

There’s been no shortage of controversy surrounding Tyson’s appearance, given the show’s subject matter and the ex-fighter’s history (he was convicted of rape in 1992).  The announcement prompted a Change.org petition that’s garnered more than 15,000 signatures, including that of NCIS star and abuse survivor Pauley Perrette. Slate‘s Alyssa Rosenberg blasted it as detrimental to the show’s credibility, while Jezebel‘s Lindy West was even more pointed:

Now, Tyson completed his sentence and is free to live his life at this point. But that doesn’t mean we all have to be complicit in the rehabilitation of his image. That doesn’t mean SVU has to hire him. Like I said, SVU‘s not perfect, but it’s something — a small counterpoint to the rape apologia that currently pervades our culture. It at least attempts to unpack tough ideas about shame and victim blaming and the way we protect rapists by stigmatizing sexual violence. Mariska Hargitay runs a foundation to support victims of sexual abuse, for Christ’s sake. When I wrote about SVU before, I heard from a lot of victims who say they find SVU therapeutic.

For his part, Tyson responded to the criticism in an interview with TV Guide, while showrunner Warren Leight responded in a series of tweets last month.

first of seven. 1) We understand the casting of Mike Tyson seems inappropriate to some SVU fans.—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

2 of 7) While in no way excusing his past actions, it's worth noting MT was convicted over twenty years ago, and served his time.—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

3 of 7) In recent years he has found sobriety, and started a foundation to meet the comprehensive needs of children from broken homes—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

4 of 7) The episode itself deals with many issues, including the ongoing effects of childhood abuse, the possibility of rehabilition,—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

5 of 7) and the potential for disastrous results when individuals and/or the justice system pre-judge or fail to contextualize.—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

6 of 7) Because of SVU's subject matter, all of us have a profound sense of our responsibility.—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

7 of 7) Our intent, as always, is to provoke discussion and awareness. We ask you to keep an open mind. Thanks.—
Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) January 12, 2013

Whether it’s an earnest attempt for the ex-champ to further his acting career or mere stunt casting during February sweeps, one thing’s for certain: After nearly 30 years, Tyson still gets everybody talking.