Tiger King Makes Post Addressing Trump in Midst of Pardons
Joe Exotic, known from the Netflix series “Tiger King,” has expressed disappointment that former President Donald Trump has not pardoned him. In a recent Instagram post, Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, criticized Trump for forgetting him. He contrasted his situation with that of others who received pardons, suggesting that his conviction for hiring two men to kill rival zookeeper Carole Baskin was unjust.Exotic is currently serving a 21-year prison sentance, which was recently reduced from 22 years, and he maintains his innocence, claiming he was wronged by the justice system. Exotic had previously attempted to seek a pardon during Trump’s first term, but the discussions did not lead to any legal change.
The “Tiger King” Joe Exotic isn’t pleased with President Donald Trump.
The 61-year-old expressed disappointment via Instagram on Monday that the commander-in-chief hasn’t pardoned him.
“President Trump: You forgot me … again,” Exotic’s meme read.
The former Netflix star’s real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, according to NPR.
“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,” he wrote.
“Hell the guy who killed 2 FBI Agents even hot a pardon today. I can’t even get a new trial based on admitted perjury testimony,” he added.
View this post on Instagram
Exotic tried to get a pardon from Trump during his first presidency, according to The Hill.
In 2020, a reporter asked Trump if he would pardon Exotic, adding that Trump’s son joked about being favorable to the idea.
“Which son? Must be Don. I had a feeling it was Don,” Trump said.
Trump, who said he knew nothing about the case, replied that he “would take a look.”
This is the moment Trump talked abt whether he may pardon Joe Exotic of Tiger King Fame, aka the moment my brain officially broke pic.twitter.com/MszHlPq4os
— Sam Sanders (@samsanders) April 8, 2020
Exotic has been serving a 22-year prison sentence since 2020.
He was convicted for hiring two men to kill Carole Baskin — a rival zookeeper on the hit Netflix reality show “Tiger King,” according to NPR.
Prosecutors said that in December 2017, Exotic offered $10,000 to an undercover FBI agent to kill Baskin.
“Just like follow her into a mall parking lot and just cap her and drive off,” Exotic reportedly said, unaware he was being recorded.
Exotic’s attorneys argued he wasn’t being serious.
Good morning America. Please don’t forget me.
I want to continue bringing the world smiles.
I have been in here 7 year truly innocent.
The only thing I am guilty of is trusting the justice system as so many have made the same mistake.
Please give me the freedom I deserve and… pic.twitter.com/B0E3R1nlIX
— Joe Exotic (@joe_exotic) January 22, 2025
He was also convicted of killing five tigers, selling cubs, and falsifying wildlife records, NPR reported.
Exotic still claims to be innocent.
In 2022, a judge reduced his sentence from 22 years to 21 years.
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