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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 03: Former boxer Mike Tyson performs during his one-man show “Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH – Live on Stage” at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on March 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 03: Former boxer Mike Tyson performs during his one-man show “Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH – Live on Stage” at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on March 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
When we speak of notorious figures like Pablo Escobar and Che Guevara, we often find their stories enveloped in an enigmatic aura of fascination. However, these stories bear a darker reality, one that has been brought to light recently in an episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson.
An unlikely guest on the podcast, Colombian singer J Balvin, who reportedly shares a close bond with Pablo Escobar’s son, was confronted with a reality check by Mike Tyson himself. This unexpected dialogue touched upon the uncomfortable trend of glorifying such infamous figures, highlighting the disconnection between the romanticized portrayals and the harsh reality of their deeds.
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Tyson’s take on the glorification of infamous personalities
During the podcast episode, the discussion initially revolved around the problematic trend of foreigners, especially Americans, donning Pablo Escobar-themed merchandise. “I think you make it clear that if you’re American or from another country don’t wear a Pablo Escobar t-shirt in Colombia,” DJ Whoo Kid commented. Tyson responded, saying, “Americans don’t wear that s**t… You cannot stop that.”

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 19: Former boxing champion Mike Tyson looks on during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 19, 2019 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl.(Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
J Balvin jumped in, adding, “Yeah but you can handle it you know what I’m saying. Like I’m really close to Pablo Escobar’s son, you know, like really, really close, we’re really friends. And one thing he said is like ‘my dad taught the world how not to do things’. You feel me and he was his son. He said like ‘listen he was a great father but what he did is the most f***ed up thing ever’. And it’s easy Mike when you’re watching the movie, eating popcorns, but once you’re there in the city, you know these people get killed and bombs, it’s not fun.”
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The conversation then turned to the figure of Che Guevara. Tyson stated, “I respect that too, like everybody still wear Che Guevara…” To which, Balvin responded, “I don’t f**k with that either.”
Tyson further elaborated, “I know but that’s just the way it is. Some people, the way they were being treated like they’re Freedom Fighters. But no one can get their respect so they turn communist. They even have their own perspective.” This conversation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved when dealing with infamous historical figures and their controversial legacies.
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But what about you, the reader? How do you perceive these historical figures, and what role do you think pop culture plays in shaping these perceptions? It’s a conversation that requires continual reflection and dialogue, and we invite you to be a part of it. Tell us your views and opinions in the comments below.
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