'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' (2013)

( Michael Parmelee / NBC )

Mike Tyson's guest appearance in NBC's long-running "Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit" stirred up controversy in February. Tyson played Reggie Rhodes, a convicted murderer who reveals that he was sexually abused and raped, and that the man he killed was one of the abusers. The decision to cast Tyson, a convicted rapist, as a rape victim sparked criticism, and a rape survivor launched a petition to change casting or pull the episode.

"SVU" executive producer Warren Leight responded to the ire in a seven-part tweet, saying, "We understand the casting of Mike Tyson seems inappropriate to some SVU fans. While in no way excusing his past actions, it's worth noting MT was convicted over twenty years ago, and served his time. In recent years he has found sobriety, and started a foundation to meet the comprehensive needs of children from broken homes. ... Because of SVU's subject matter, all of us have a profound sense of our responsibility."

Tyson himself tweeted, "This is a big moment for me. I'm officially an actor. Feels good to play someone other than myself. #SVU."