The family of Carole Baskin's missing and presumed-deceased husband Don Lewis bought commercial time during the Dancing With the Stars premiere in retaliation of Carole's casting on the ABC show.
Carole Baskin rose to prominence as the main antagonist in the 2020 Netflix docuseries Tiger King. In the quarantine hit, it is revealed that Baskin, a big cat activist and founder/CEO of Big Cat Rescue, was previously married to rich business tycoon Don Lewis. Lewis disappeared in 1997, leaving the bulk share of his estate to Baskin, whose marriage with him was on the rocks at the time. The investigation into Lewis' death is still open, as the original search didn't bring in any strong suspects, or evidence into how and why Lewis vanished. His family and lawyer, John Phillips, however, have always suspected foul play. Baskin and Lewis were on the outs right before he vanished – Lewis even filed a restraining order against her. The restraining order coupled with Baskin's changing of Lewis' will just before his disappearance left the family with more than just casual suspicion.
In a TMZ exclusive, Don Lewis' family and lawyer stated they bought commercial time during the September 14 Dancing With the Stars season premiere. The commercial will ask viewers, presumably some attracted to the show to watch Carole, for tips on Lewis' disappearance, and will run during the episode's first commercial break. Lewis's daughters from a previous marriage – Gale, Lynda, and Donna –his former assistant Anne McQueen, and his attorney will be featured in the spot.
Earlier this month, Carole Baskin was announced as a member of 29th season's cast, having skyrocketed to fame (and infamy, in some cases) after starring in Tiger King. In the series, Lewis' family made it very clear that they believed Baskin was somehow involved in his disappearance, going as far as to insinuate that she had him killed to take his money legally before he could leave her. Carole has remained steadfast in her declaration of innocence, even responding to the notion of her being involved with an inappropriately cavalier attitude.
Having made these grievances known, the family was greatly outraged by Baskin's casting in Dancing With the Stars, calling the producers "grossly insensitive" of the pending investigation. Their add is touted as a method of gaining more information about Don Lewis' disappearance. While that could be the main motivation, it is undoubtedly a message to production and Carole Baskin that they will not be silenced.
Source: TMZ
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