Last season it was Sean Spicer. You know, that one contestant on "Dancing with the Stars" who causes more chatter than the rest of the cast combined. Viewers complained to ABC that they would let such a supposedly divisive figure dance on the show. The situation only got more controversial when Spicer actually kept getting the votes week after week, while decidedly more talented dancers got sent home.
The lineup for the upcoming season is now out, and I think you'll agree that one name is standing out from the rest.
The cast includes Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean, Netflix’s “Cheer” head coach Monica Aldama, “Bachelorette” star Kaitlyn Bristowe, Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis, Disney Channel star Skai Jackson, “Catfish” host Nev Schulman, NBA player Charles Oakley, actress Anne Heche, “The Real” host Jeannie Mai, and “Selling Sunset” real estate agent Chrishell Stause, and "Tiger King's" Carole Baskin.
Yup, I'm sure you caught that name at the end. Carole Baskin, the infamous cat lady and nemesis of Joe Exotic from Netflix's "Tiger King," will be hitting the ballroom floor this fall.
JUST IN: #TigerKing’s @Carole_Baskin joins the cast of @DancingABC season 29! #DancingOnGMA#DWTS pic.twitter.com/HdifTN4YbY
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 2, 2020
On "Tiger King," the hate shared between Joe Exotic and Baskin was the main plot point of several episodes, with both figures accusing the other of mistreating tigers and other big cats. Exotic even shared his theory that Baskin killed her first husband, because his disappearance never solved. The allegation divided the internet and the allegation has resurfaced now that Baskin is back in the spotlight.
In an interview with "Good Morning America," Baskin said that "Tiger King" villainized her trying to stop animal abuse and she said she felt "betrayed" by the producers. It's been a "nightmare" ever since the show was released, she said, and she hopes she can turn it around on the ballroom and earn viewers' votes.
Diehard "Dancing with the Stars" fans will notice that the show looks a little different this year. Host Tom Bergeron, who has been a staple since season one, and his co-host Erin Andrews, were asked to pack their bags. Tyra Banks will be taking over as sole host.