By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Doc Antle, of Myrtle Beach Safari, will be sentenced on June 10th in Charleston for pleading guilty to conspiracy charges violating the Lacey Act and money laundering. His crimes involved illegally trafficking endangered animals, including cheetahs, lion cubs, tigers, and a chimpanzee, falsifying records to conceal the transactions. Antle used his non-profit to disguise payments and laundered money obtained from allegedly assisting undocumented immigrants. He faces a maximum of five years imprisonment per charge, along with substantial fines and supervised release.
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The upcoming sentencing hearing for Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the Myrtle Beach Safari owner featured in the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King,” is generating considerable anticipation and strong opinions. Many viewers found Antle’s behavior just as reprehensible as that of Joe Exotic, if not more so. His apparent exploitation of young women, requiring near-virginity and demanding seven-day workweeks in exchange for minimal compensation, is a point of particular outrage. The description of his “employees” as being forced into a situation of near servitude speaks volumes about the power imbalance and alleged abuse that characterized his operation.
The unsettling nature of Antle’s Myrtle Beach “safari” itself has been a focus of criticism. Operating such an attraction in a location known for its tourist-heavy beach culture raises questions about the regulatory environment and ethical considerations surrounding exotic animal ownership and display. Several commentators have described the setting as a “match made in hell,” noting the confluence of lax South Carolina animal laws and a high volume of tourists potentially willing to overlook questionable practices in pursuit of entertainment.
The accusations against Antle extend far beyond labor exploitation. Allegations of sexual abuse involving minors have surfaced, with some accounts claiming underage girls were involved in relationships with Antle, and forced into cosmetic procedures, all while operating under his control. These accounts are deeply disturbing and paint a picture of a far more insidious and predatory pattern of abuse than initially suggested in “Tiger King.” The comparisons to a cult, with Antle functioning as the leader, frequently appear in discussions. One observer even compared Antle’s creep factor to Joe Exotic’s, noting that in their opinion, Antle was the more unsettling of the two.
The contrast between Antle and Joe Exotic is also worth examining. While both are seen as unscrupulous figures, observers note that Antle seemed to maintain a degree of calculated composure, suggesting a higher level of intelligence or cunning, although this is debated. Conversely, Joe Exotic’s erratic behavior and apparent methamphetamine use are viewed as contrasting factors. However, one commenter made it very clear that even if Antle possesses more intelligence than Exotic, it is a matter of degree, not a suggestion of a significant moral high ground. The longer duration and breadth of his alleged abuses compared to those of Exotic add to the gravity of the case against him.
The “Tiger King” phenomenon itself deserves mention. Its popularity, even surpassing peak viewership of major series like “Game of Thrones” and the “Seinfeld” finale, reflects a widespread fascination with its characters and their outlandish behaviors. While many viewers initially fixated on individual villains, such as Carole Baskin, a broader consensus seems to have emerged recognizing the pervasive level of disturbing behaviour amongst the main characters. Even with the many disturbing aspects of the show and its subjects, many have pointed out that relative to the other figures highlighted, Carole Baskin seems to be the least problematic of the bunch.
The legal consequences for Antle are significant. The accusations against him raise serious questions of criminal liability, and the scheduled sentencing hearing promises to provide closure, or at least a judgment, on years of alleged exploitation and abuse. The lax regulations in South Carolina, as well as the sheer number of people who patronized his business, will likely weigh heavily on the judge’s considerations. The case also underscores the broader issues of exotic animal trade, the potential for exploitation within such operations, and the need for stronger regulatory oversight to protect both animals and humans from abuse. The upcoming sentencing will be a moment of reckoning, not just for Antle but for the entire industry. For many, the sheer scale of his alleged crimes, the prolonged duration, and the apparent vulnerability of his victims amplify the calls for the maximum possible sentence.