Musician Aaron Lewis Receives Backlash for Controversial Hunting Photo
ICARO Media Group
Rock band STAIND's frontman Aaron Lewis is facing criticism after sharing a photo on social media featuring himself and three fellow hunters spelling out "Trump 24" using what appears to be 32 dead coyotes. The controversial image has generated a wave of negative comments from followers, with many expressing their displeasure and labeling the act as disturbing and attention-seeking.
Commenters under Aaron's post did not hold back in voicing their disapproval. One commenter criticized the musician's career, stating that the coyotes weren't as dead as his musical success has been in the past 20 years. Another individual referred to the act as "sociopath shit," while others found it grotesque and called it a questionable method for gaining attention. Some even expressed intentions to unfollow Aaron and discontinue their support.
It is worth noting that coyote hunting is legal in most U.S. states all year round, as they are considered non-game animals. Texas Parks And Wildlife confirmed that there is no closed season for hunting coyotes, although public hunting lands may have specific restrictions.
Lewis, an avid hunter, has frequently discussed his passion for the sport. In a 2011 interview with Outdoor Life, he revealed that he has been hunting since he was a young child, stating, "I generally leave the guns at home when I'm hunting deer. It's a lot more challenging to get a deer close enough to dispatch it with a compound or recurve bow."
Regarding his bandmates' views on hunting, Lewis mentioned that no other members of STAIND share his enthusiasm. In fact, he stated that the drummer borderlines on supporting PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which often leads to minimal discussions about the topic among bandmates.
Despite potential backlash, Lewis has remained unabashed about his hunting activities, including his appearances on hunting-focused television shows. In 2009, he expressed that he welcomes any criticism from PETA, highlighting his belief in the ethical consumption of harvested animals as food. Aaron emphasized that he has never killed anything that he did not eat.
In 2010, Aaron Lewis participated in the reality hunting show "Dream Season Celebrity," where he paired with everyday hunters to compete in teams across the country. Additionally, his involvement in the show helped raise funds for the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, a charitable organization providing hunting and fishing experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses.
While Lewis has garnered attention through his controversial hunting photo and his recent suggestion for fans to chant derogatory remarks toward President Joe Biden during a concert, his musical career continues. The artist remains committed to his beliefs and acknowledges that he seeks alternative news sources, including individuals like Dan Ball, Andrew Wilkow, and Mark Levin, as well as watching former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
It is evident that Aaron Lewis is unapologetic about his hunting practices and remains vocal about his political viewpoints, even if they attract controversy and criticism.