Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
WORTHINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS: 'Staind' frontman Aaron Lewis has come under intense scrutiny after he apparently took to his Facebook, Instagram, and Truth Social accounts to post an image of 32 dead coyotes posed to spell "Trump 24."
On Wednesday, October 18, he shared the photo and captioned it, "Successful morning in Texas. Presale for AFL 2024 dates starts today. Use code AFL2024 to get priority access before tickets go on sale this Friday."
The stunt, where Lewis was seen posing with dead coyotes that he apparently hunted, earned him an intense backlash from all corners of the world, including from his followers and none other than the non-profit animal rights group PETA.
PETA’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Lisa Lange, put out a statement in Billboard, saying, "How vile and pathetic that a washed-up musician, desperate for relevance, terrorized and killed animals to get a brief taste of the attention he obviously craves."
She added, "Just like the dogs who share our homes, coyotes feel pain and fear and love their families, and because they’re one of the few species found in nearly every U.S. state, they’re beloved by many as America’s 'song dog'."
"PETA encourages Aaron Lewis to seek attention through some act of kindness, rather than slaughtering individuals who are simply trying to eke out an existence in an increasingly paved-over world," continued Lange.
Who is Aaron Lewis?
The 51-year-old rocker turned country musician Aaron Lewis is an outspoken conservative who has long been an admirer of Donald Trump and has often criticized opposing parties and the current POTUS, Joe Biden.
He is especially popular for being the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the alternative metal band Staind, which started in 1996.
The band remained on the fringes of mainstream acceptance until 'Outside', a live collaboration between Lewis and Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst during the 1999 Family Values Tour, that blew up on alternative and mainstream rock stations a year later.
In 2006, Lewis was ranked at number 49 in the "Top 100 Heavy Metal Vocalists" by Hit Parader.
After Staind went on hiatus in 2011, Lewis pursued a solo career in country music.
He has featured in 'No Sex' by Limp Bizkit on their album 'Significant Other' and on a remix of the song 'Crawling' on Linkin Park's first remix album 'Reanimation', titled 'Krwlng'.
Internet reacts to Aaron Lewis' 'vile' 'Trump 24' post
Soon after Aaron Lewis posted the image containing dead coyotes, his followers, and animal activists rushed to condemn his actions.
Under his Instagram post, one wrote, "Those coyotes aren't nearly as dead as your career has been for the last 20 years."
Another commented, "I don't care if it's legal or not.... I find this very disturbing. I'm a republican and this is horrible... it takes a very evil heart to do this.... unfollowing and hopefully you loose a lot of fans.... I'm definitely not giving up my money for you...."
A fan expressed, "I like @aaronlewismusic and and I support conservation management... BUT man, this is SO trashy hillbilly. Have a little respect for taking an animals life and allowing them to die with some dignity."
They continued, "This is a terrible portrayal of hunters and paints us in a very negative and stereotypical light. This image does nothing to educate people about what hunting and conservation really is about."
"Just became a fan after relating to your song 'Someone'. Now I'm unfollowing. I'm not a democrat, but promoting a political campaign in this fashion don't sit right with me," asserted another follower of Lewis.
After PatriotTakes posted a screenshot of Lewis' Instagram post on X (formerly Twitter), a similar backlash was seen and many didn't mince their words.
One said, "No surprise that someone who's cruel to animals is a Trump supporter. This is so disgusting."
"That's f**king disgusting. I hope there is a Hell and the coyotes are waiting for him. Actually anyone associated with Trump," wrote another.
A person stated, "May Karma be slow and painful," while one more expressed, "May you reap what you sow."
A user slammed Lewis, writing, "This is quite disturbing. Trump supporters seem quite violent and without compassion. This trait seems to be true in every thoughtless and inconsiderate act whether it’s killing animals, insurrection or carrying out death threats .Cruelty not patriotism is the point. Abhorrent!!!"
