If you watch FOX’s hit series “Empire,” you may have noticed that the character Hakeem bears a striking resemblance to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert. It isn’t just the high-top fade — Hakeem also dates an R&B singer named Tiana. Shumpert dates an R&B singer and actress in real life, and do you know what her name is? Teyana Taylor.
Coincidence? Shumpert doesn’t seem to think so. When asked about the show on Wednesday, Shumpert told Chris Haynes of Northest Ohio Media Group that he and Taylor are both upset and feel the show is profiting from their likeness.
“They’re using my girl’s character, her style, her look and she’s not getting anything for it,” Shumpert said. “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.
“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.”
The creators of “Empire” could argue that Hakeem is a rapper and not a basketball player, but Shumpert has been known to dabble in the hip-hop game. However, he insists he is more upset for his girlfriend than himself.
“Her fans are more mad about it than I am,” Shumpert said. “I’m a ball player, but that’s her field. That’s what she does. Me personally, I don’t plan on taking any action but I don’t know about her.”
Taylor, who has also been linked to this NFL quarterback in the past, probably wouldn’t get anywhere if she tried to sue FOX or the creators of the musical drama series. In any event, I think Shumpert has made his point.
H/T UPROXX
Photo: Instagram/Iman Shumpert
