Two of Channing Tatum’s former stripping colleagues have something to get off their chest.
Thomas (Awesome) Austin and London Steele, both of whom stripped with Tatum in Tampa, Fla., told TMZ.com that their former stage mate ripped off their personal stories for his upcoming film “Magic Mike.”
Tatum has claimed that the movie, which opens June 29 and co-stars “True Blood” actor Joe Manganiello, Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer, is based on his short-lived career baring more than his soul for money before he broke into Hollywood. At the time, Tatum went by the stage name “Chan Crawford.”
“I did this for about eight months of my life, and I told [director Steven] Soderbergh about it, and he was just like, ‘Look, we have to make this into a movie,’” Tatum previously said to MTV News.
But Austin told TMZ that even the film’s title, “Magic Mike,” is a name he himself came up with for another dancer.
The strippers also claim they taught Tatum some of their stage moves, including “The Hot Seat” — which is used in the film.
Austin continued to slam Channing, calling him an “amateur” when he started: “He only danced for four months. How many events could have happened to him?”
[Via NY Daily News and TMZ]
As someone that used to attend shows that featured Thomas Austin, London Steele and yes, the Original Magic Mike. I cannot blame the guys for being upset. They have worked in the industry for years. Funny, Matthew McConehey’s character is even dressed similar as the Emcee of the show….looks A LOT like what Thomas wore and image this, Thomas was the Emcee. The group had the hot seat and this was in the early 90′s…..if it ain’t their story…I don’t know what is.
FUKKIN HILARIOUS. #GIGGOLOWARS….