Mike Tyson Sues Supreme Over Alleged Unauthorized Palestine Flag Inclusion

Former world boxing champion Mike Tyson has initiated legal proceedings against the international streetwear brand Supreme, alleging forced involvement in an international political dispute and a breach of commercial agreement. The dispute stems from a planned collaboration for the Fall 2026 collection, involving Supreme, London-based designer Martin Rose, and Tyson himself. The project aimed to re-release an iconic 1980s jacket or hoodie associated with Tyson's prime. The original design featured an illustration of Tyson surrounded by various national flags symbolizing his international stardom, including the flags of Israel and the United States.

However, in the revised version designed by Rose for the collection, the Israeli flag was reportedly replaced with the Palestinian flag, a change that ignited controversy over the item's political message. According to claims made in the lawsuit, this alteration was made without Tyson's knowledge or consent. His lawyers argue that Tyson agreed to participate in the project solely on the condition that the item would replicate the original historical design, and that the flag substitution constitutes a violation of the agreement between the parties.

Tyson's representatives also contend that the change could associate him with a political stance he did not choose to express. They state he seeks to protect his name, property rights, and public image from unauthorized commercial and political use of his likeness. In response to the controversy and legal threat, Supreme has removed the item from the collection and canceled its planned sale across stores and online platforms, meaning the controversial item will not be marketed as part of the upcoming collection.

Separately, Tyson has had past ties to the Jewish community and Israel. In 2019, he visited the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising memorial, reportedly stating, "Jews are a strong people who managed to overcome the Nazis." In 2023, amidst rising antisemitism, he urged his social media followers to support the Jewish community. In November 2023, during the ongoing conflict, Tyson participated in a New York fundraising event for the IDF and to support the return of hostages, an appearance that garnered varied reactions online. The current dispute raises questions about the boundaries between commercial collaborations and political messaging, particularly for internationally recognized public figures.