Joe Exotic, the infamous star of Tiger King, became a global sensation, but his fame quickly spiraled into controversy and criminal convictions. In 2020, he was convicted for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Carole Baskin and for multiple charges related to the abuse and illegal trafficking of animals. A federal jury found him guilty on two counts of hiring someone to murder Baskin, eight counts of violating the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act by killing tigers and selling them across state lines. On January 22, 2020, Exotic was sentenced to 22 years in prison, incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth. Despite his conviction, his story continues to stir public interest, including his unsuccessful attempt to gain a pardon from then-President Donald Trump in 2020.
Tiger King' Joe Exotic
While serving his sentence, Exotic’s story remained in the headlines, especially after the Tiger King series brought renewed attention to his life. In May 2020, his supporters, known as "Team Tiger," filed a 257-page document requesting a pardon, which was not granted. Following this, Exotic sought to have his sentence reduced. In 2021, a three-judge panel of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled his sentence should be shortened, resulting in a new hearing in January 2022. Despite the hope of a reduced sentence, Exotic's prison term was only shortened by one year, leaving him with a new sentence of 21 years. Throughout his incarceration, Exotic penned an autobiography, Tiger King: The Official Tell-All Memoir, released in November 2021. His case sparked ongoing debates about animal rights and the ethics of private zoos. His story remains a cautionary tale of ambition gone awry, leaving a controversial legacy that continues to capture the world's attention.
Prison Engagement
Joe Exotic, the infamous figure from Tiger King, has had a whirlwind of relationships during his time in prison. In a phone call to Entertainment Weekly, he confirmed his engagement to his latest love interest, Marquez. "We filed our official papers for the marriage license from the prison yesterday, so we’re just waiting for approval. He has picked out December 12 as the date we’re hoping to get this approved by," Exotic shared. He added that their application needs to be approved by the warden, psychiatry officer, and chaplain before it can move forward.
Marquez, Exotic's newest partner, is reportedly serving time for immigration-related issues. However, Exotic's love life in prison hasn't been without drama. In 2022, he began a relationship with inmate John Graham, which also led to an engagement. Unfortunately, that fairytale didn't last. In a letter to his attorney, obtained by TMZ, Exotic described Graham as an "extremely romantic and caring" partner. He compared their relationship to something out of Twilight, describing it as a "fast attraction." The relationship, however, fizzled when Graham was released from prison. Soon after, Exotic found a new partner, Seth Posey, who won Exotic's online 'Bachelor King' contest. The pair also got engaged, but their relationship ended shortly after.
Joe Exotic Presidential Pardon
In January, 2025, Joe Exotic recently criticized both President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden for not issuing him a pardon, claiming that Biden "forgot" about him once again. In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, suggested that his chances of a reduced sentence might have been higher if he had "broken in the Capitol" or was "related to the Bidens." The 61-year-old is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2019 for hiring hitmen to kill his rival, Carole Baskin. Despite his conviction, Exotic continues to maintain his innocence and believes he deserves to be released.
"If I was a crack dealer, maybe if I broke in the capital or even have been related to the Bidens. I might have gotten some relief on being in prison innocent," Exotic wrote in his post. "Hell, the guy who killed 2 FBI Agents even got a pardon today. I can't even get a new trial based on admitted perjury testimony." While Trump did express interest in reviewing Exotic's case during his first term, no action was taken. Instead, Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 143 people, including figures like rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black. Exotic later sought clemency from President Biden, but his efforts were unsuccessful as well.
Exotic expressed his disappointment further after Trump used his first days back in the White House to pardon around 1,500 January 6 rioters, as well as members of extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. In a series of follow-up posts, Exotic appealed to his 369,000 followers to tag Trump on social media and help him get a pardon. "President Trump what is going on? Pardon Joe Exotic!" he urged his followers. "Justice for Joe! No one should spend 21 years in prison for bad haircuts and worse friends," one supporter wrote in response. Others expressed their support, with one user commenting, "I hope he takes a look at your case carefully and makes the right decision! Hang tight Joe!!" Despite the continued push from his supporters, Exotic remains in prison as his battle for a pardon continues.
