The routine started with Pasha Pashkov growling at Carole Baskin from inside a cage.
Donning a hot pink flower crown and matching pink tiger print dress, Baskin danced a paso doble along to Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger in front of plumes of flame and a technicolor big cat background. The judges rated the performance at 4, 4 and 3, so her cumulative score was 11 of 30 possible points.
While the animal activist made her Dancing with the Stars debut Monday night, the family of her missing husband Don Lewis took the opportunity to seek information.
Don Lewis’s daughters Gale, Lynda, and Donna appeared in an advertisement that ran during the episode. The commercial also featured Lewis’ his former assistant Anne and the family’s attorney, Jacksonville-based John M. Phillips. Variety confirmed that the commercial aired in multiple markets, including Tampa and Jacksonville.
“Don Lewis mysteriously disappeared in 1997. His family deserves answers,” Phillips said during the commercial. “They deserve justice. Do you know who did this or if Carole Baskin was involved?”
The commercial went on to share the tip line — and a $100,000 reward.
Baskin denies involvement with the disappearance of her husband, whose case resurfaced after Netflix’s eight-part Tiger King series became a viral hit in March. Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister opened a tip line and assigned new deputies to the case after watching the show. Last month, Lewis' family filed a “lawsuit for equity” in Hillsborough County court against Baskin, Tiger King subject Kenny Farr and a woman listed as a witness on Lewis' will.
Will Lewis' family get new leads in the cold case? What color flower crown will Baskin choose next? Tune in next week to find out.