A Los Angeles Superior Court judge is demanding proof that famed wildlife expert Steve Irwin is actually dead.
The conflict stems from the fact that Steve’s daughter, Bindi Irwin, is currently a contestant on “Dancing With The Stars,” and needs her parents to sign their rights away to all the money Bindi will earn, according to TMZ.
The problem for Bindi is that her father, often referred to as the “Crocodile Hunter,” was killed in 2006 after being stabbed by a stingray. Lawyers for DWTS submitted a minor’s contract to the court because Bindi is only 17, and her mother quickly signed off on it. However the judge is now rejecting the contract because Bindi hasn’t proven her dad is actually dead.
According to TMZ, it’s unclear if the judge legitimately is unaware Steve is dead, or if the judge simply wants a death certificate. (RELATED: Meet The Surprising Cast Of This Year’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’)
TMZ reported that when the Judge finally approves the contract, Bindi will get a guarantee of $125,000, and will earn even more money each week depending how far she gets in the competition.
So far she has earned more than $230,000 — but she’ll only get the money after the judge has confirmation the teenager’s father is no longer alive.