Joe Exotic, known for his role in Netflix’s “Tiger King,” made a public plea from the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, asking President Donald Trump to intervene in his husband’s deportation or allow him to serve his prison term in Mexico.
In a phone interview, Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, revealed that his husband, Jorge Marquez Flores, also known as Jorge Flores Maldonado, a 33-year-old Mexican national, was deported on March 3 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after serving a sentence for immigration offenses. The couple met in prison and were married earlier this year.
Flores was reportedly charged during a traffic stop, leading to his deportation proceedings, though no drug or firearm charges were involved.
In an effort to avoid permanent separation, Exotic has reached out to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, requesting assistance in securing an international prison transfer. He has also asked Sheinbaum to appeal to President Trump for clemency of his U.S. sentence, citing both love and medical issues.
Exotic mentioned a rumored “Gold Card” immigration proposal that would permit wealthy foreigners to gain legal status by making multi-million dollar contributions. “If I had $5 million, I’d give President Trump five million bucks,” Exotic said. “But I’m just a poor American who worked my whole life for the dream they took away from me.”
At 62, Exotic is serving a 21-year sentence for wildlife offenses and a murder-for-hire plot against animal rights activist Carole Baskin. He has consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that he was targeted to facilitate the passage of the Big Cat Safety Act. “I consider myself a political prisoner,” he said. “They needed me out of the way.”
Exotic’s health continues to decline in prison. Beyond previous surgeries for prostate cancer and colon polyps, he suspects he now has lung problems and suffers from autoimmune issues. He also claims to have contracted scabies due to unsanitary, rat-infested prison conditions, which he says are worse than any environment his animals endured. He fears retaliation, including solitary confinement, if he reports his circumstances.
Flores, according to Exotic, has significantly contributed to his physical and emotional well-being. Exotic states that his husband has been his sole caregiver, providing comfort during illness and emotional support. With no family outside prison, he describes Jorge as his only support system.
Exotic desires to relocate to Mexico if granted clemency. He stresses that his intention is not to undermine U.S. immigration laws but to stay with the person who has supported him.
Their marriage will be featured in an upcoming documentary, “The Exotic Truth,” which aims to provide an inside look at the events that brought Exotic into the public spotlight. Directed by Emmy-winner Serena DC, the series will include Exotic’s first in-person interview, from prison, in seven years.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear his story directly from him — raw, unfiltered, and straight from prison,” Serena said. She suggested that if Exotic’s claims are verified, it would illustrate how public narratives and rumors can lead to injustice.
While remaining incarcerated, Exotic continues to seek legal remedies. His sentence was reduced by a year in 2022, and he holds out hope for an appeal or pardon.
