Arrest of ‘Chimp Crazy’ Star Over Court Evasion and Animal Mismanagement

The star featured in HBO’s documentary Chimp Crazy was detained for allegedly ignoring multiple court orders related to her involvement in a controversy over hiding her captivity of a movie-star chimpanzee.

Tonia Haddix, 55, appeared exhausted and disheveled in her mugshot after her apprehension in Missouri by US Marshals. She and her husband, Jerry Aswegan, face accusations of skipping court appearances and not paying over $220,000 in legal fees incurred from a lawsuit brought by PETA, which aimed to address allegations of animal mistreatment.

The legal battle originated from a 2016 case alleging poor care and mistreatment of primates in Haddix’s possession, including Tonka, a chimpanzee known for movie roles such as in the 1997 comedy Buddy. Haddix had claimed that Tonka had died and was cremated, but it was later revealed she lied, as Tonka was found alive and confined in her basement as of June 2022.

In March, Haddix admitted guilt to perjury and obstructing justice by lying about Tonka’s death. The PETA Foundation claims the pair has yet to fulfill their financial obligations and have missed several court hearings, prompting the organization to condemn their evasion efforts.

PETA spokesperson Brittany Peet highlighted that funds had been used to locate Tonka, transfer him out of Haddix’s basement, and place him in a sanctuary where he is now thriving. She expressed hope that Haddix’s jail time would coincide with a more extended sentence expected next month.

Haddix’s involvement in the HBO series Chimp Crazy brought public attention to her ownership and management of several primates used in entertainment. The case continues as authorities pursue further legal actions.