Iman Shumpert Says ‘Empire’ Is Copying His Relationship With Teyana Taylor
These days it seems like everyone is watching, tweeting, and talking about Empire. Well, you can count Cavaliers’ basketball player Iman Shumpert out.
According to Cleveland.com, Iman was asked about whether or not he watched the hit Fox show. Instead of giving a straight yes or no answer, Shumpert went on to accuse the show of pulling from his real life romance with singer Teyana Taylor. In fact, the guard claims that the character of Hakeem is based on him, as well.
When asked if he watched the show, the journalist noted that Iman seemed annoyed.
“I don’t watch that stuff, man.”
Then he continued to tell Cleveland.com exactly why he doesn’t watch Empire.
“They’re using my girl’s character, her style, her look and she’s not getting anything for it. They didn’t even change her name. They could have at least let my girl audition for the part instead of stealing her character completely.”
On Empire, Hakeem is in an on and off again relationship with R&B singer Tiana. We haven’t seen her in a few episodes because the couple had a falling out, but we’re about to see what’s in store for the couple during the two hour season finale.
Iman went on to discuss how actor-rapper Bryshere Gray (Hakeem) resembles him, as well.
“And come on man, they’re really using a guy with a flat-top like me. Come on. That’s ridiculous. They never called us. We were blindsided. We found out by our family and fans when the show aired. I don’t see how they can deny it. Everybody knows. Her fans are more mad about it than I am. I’m a ball player, but that’s her field.”
It looks like fans really did notice just how much the on-screen couple looked like Teyana and Iman.
Lmao. I do see the resemblence between Hakeem and Tiana, and Iman Shumpert and Teyana Taylor. I see it.
— TJ (@tahlyuh) March 12, 2015
Here’s a comparison of Hakeem and Tiana vs Iman and Teyana.
Are Hakeem and Tiana from ‘Empire’ Based on NBA Star Iman Shumpert and Teyana Taylor? – http://t.co/2lzwDmOUPc pic.twitter.com/QauOwuqRHq — Gates Digital Media (@GatesDigital) March 12, 2015
NBA star Iman Shumpert: Hakeem Lyon’s Charater and Tiana Is Based Off Of Teyana Taylor And I http://t.co/xX4nd3D5W6 pic.twitter.com/ElJfbnhOxk
— Bria (@NaijaGistDaily) March 12, 2015
So far Fox hasn’t commented on Iman Shumpert’s comments.
What do you think? Do Tiana and Hakeem resemble Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert?
[Image via Fox]
