In a surprising twist to his tumultuous life, Joe Exotic, the infamous star of Netflix's "Tiger King," has announced his marriage while serving a 21-year federal prison sentence. The 62-year-old, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, shared the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 21, 2025, revealing that he has tied the knot with fellow inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado, who is also known as Jorge Marquez.
"Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado," Exotic wrote, accompanying the announcement with a digitally altered photo of the couple dressed in matching tuxedos and white baseball caps. The couple's wedding comes just six months after Exotic announced their engagement in October 2024, during which he expressed his admiration for Marquez, stating, "He is so amazing and is from Mexico."
Exotic is currently incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, after being convicted in 2019 for a murder-for-hire plot against his rival, animal rights activist Carole Baskin. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison after attempting to hire a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover FBI agent, for $10,000.
The newlyweds have plans that extend beyond their prison walls. Exotic has expressed hopes of securing asylum for Marquez, who is serving time for immigration-related offenses. In a previous post, Exotic mentioned, "Now, the quest of getting married in prison and getting him asylum or we be leaving America when we both get out." He added, "Either way, I wish I would have met him long ago."
In a response to a social media user wishing him luck with his appeal, Exotic stated that he has "no problem going to Mexico" with Marquez if they are released. This sentiment underscores the couple's commitment to each other despite their challenging circumstances.
Joe Exotic's marital history is as colorful as his personality. He was previously married to Travis Maldonado from 2015 until 2017, when Maldonado died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. Just two months later, Exotic married Dillon Passage, but their relationship ended in 2021 after three years of marriage. Passage confirmed their split in a since-deleted Instagram post, stating, "Yes, Joe and I are seeking a divorce. This wasn't an easy decision to make but Joe and I both understand that this situation isn't fair to either of us."
Throughout his incarceration, Exotic has maintained his innocence regarding the charges that led to his imprisonment. He has been vocal about his desire to overturn his conviction, claiming to possess evidence such as "video confessions under oath" and "700 phone recordings of federal agents" that could potentially exonerate him. In a recent interview, he expressed optimism about his appeal, stating, "On appeal and should win."
Despite the challenges he faces, Exotic remains hopeful about his future. He has mentioned aspirations of a career in academia, where he plans to share his extensive knowledge of big cats once he is released. "I still have faith that I’m going to walk out of here — I just need to live for the next five or six months and hope for the best," he said.
Exotic's marriage announcement comes at a time when he is also seeking a presidential pardon. He has publicly endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election, hoping to draw attention to his case. In a recent post, Exotic argued, "You could deport him at some point, but if you let me go, we'll both go to Mexico, which will save you the cost of deporting him and allow you to take care of me." This unconventional plea highlights the bizarre intersection of love, legal battles, and political aspirations that characterize Exotic's life.
As the world watches the unfolding saga of Joe Exotic, his marriage to Jorge Flores Maldonado adds another chapter to a story filled with drama, controversy, and unexpected twists. Whether or not the couple will achieve their dreams of freedom and a future together remains to be seen, but for now, they are celebrating their union amidst the confines of prison.
In the eyes of many, Joe Exotic remains a polarizing figure, beloved by some for his eccentricity and reviled by others for his actions. However, his marriage to Marquez demonstrates that even in the most challenging circumstances, love can flourish. As Exotic himself put it, "No matter what happens, he's my husband, and we'll never abandon each other. This bond is that strong."
