This article provides an in-depth overview of the domestic abuse issues connected with the reality TV show Tanked and its cast members.
Overview of Tanked
Canceled in 2018 after an impressive run of 15 seasons, Tanked was a flagship series for Animal Planet that captivated audiences through over 150 episodes. The show offered viewers a unique glimpse into Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM), a renowned Las Vegas company specializing in creating luxurious aquariums for high-profile clients, including celebrities and upscale businesses. While the extravagant fish tanks and celebrity appearances initially attracted viewers, it was the engaging personalities of cast members such as Wayde King, Brett Raymer, Irwin “The General”Raymer, and Heather King that truly resonated, making the show a beloved staple.
Cancellation and Controversy
Despite the show’s initial success, its cancellation came as a shock to many fans. Although there had been a noticeable dip in ratings in the preceding seasons, speculation surrounding personal controversies involving two of the show’s stars suggested other underlying reasons for its abrupt end.
Heather King’s Arrest for Domestic Violence
On March 6, 2019, reality star Heather King faced arrest at her Las Vegas home following a violent incident with her husband, Wayde King. Reports from TMZ indicated that Heather allegedly slapped Wayde and kicked him during a heated confrontation. Wayde claimed that Heather drove their car with him partially hanging out of the window, providing police with physical evidence of the altercation.
Although Heather admitted to the physical attack, she denied the car incident. She was charged with domestic violence and subsequently released on bail. Just two days later, Heather filed for divorce (via TMZ).In 2020, she sought a protective order against Wayde, alleging long-term physical abuse and expressing fears for her safety.
Animal Planet’s Response to the Cancellation
Timing Raises Questions About Causation
Nine days following Heather’s arrest, Animal Planet announced the cancellation of Tanked. While the network asserted the decision was unrelated to the domestic violence incident, the proximity of the events raised eyebrows. Paul Schur, VP of Communications at Animal Planet, remarked to Deadline that, “After 15 fantastic seasons, the series came to a natural end late last year.” However, insiders from production indicated that the cancellation decision had been reached months in advance.
Despite the ongoing speculations, it remains unconfirmed whether Heather’s legal troubles played any role in the timing of the show’s conclusion. Some reports suggested her arrest may have inadvertently accelerated the network’s announcement of Tanked’s cancellation.
Current Status of Heather and Wayde King
The Couple’s Quiet Life Post-Cancellation
Since the series ended, Heather and Wayde King have maintained a relatively low public profile. Following the show’s cancellation, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing closed its doors primarily due to financial difficulties. Wayde also experienced a fallout with Brett Raymer, a close friend and business partner, although he continues to work in the custom aquarium field, crafting unique tanks for clients globally.
Heather remains active on social media, sharing insights into her family life. Based in Las Vegas, she recently participated in the Heroes Journey podcast, revealing behind-the-scenes details about her experience on Tanked. Among various topics, she discussed how reality television often exaggerates relationships and scenarios for dramatic effect. Furthermore, she opened up about her past marriage, including allegations regarding Wayde’s substance abuse and her fears for her safety during their time together.
For further insights on this intriguing story, you can refer to the original source here.
Related Articles:
First Look: Wes Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Stuns at CinemaCon
4:46
‘Because I Knew You’: My Perspective After Watching ‘Wicked: For Good’ Footage
4:42
Cast of ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Discusses Filming Challenges for Their New Dinosaur Adventure
23:47
Leave a Reply