Joe Exotic Has A Surprise Behind Bars: Meet His New Husband

Rainbow flag waving against blue sky

The infamous “Tiger King” Joe Exotic has embarked on a new chapter by marrying fellow inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado amidst his 21-year incarceration.

Key Takeaways

  • Joe Exotic married Jorge Flores Maldonado while serving a 21-year sentence.
  • Maldonado is imprisoned for immigration-related offenses.
  • Exotic seeks U.S. asylum for his new spouse.
  • Exotic’s past includes convictions for a murder-for-hire plot and animal abuse.
  • He remains hopeful for an appeal or presidential pardon.

Inside the Nuptial Ceremony

Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic from the “Tiger King” docuseries, has tied the knot with inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado. While donning matching tuxedos and white hats, the two celebrated their union behind bars. Exotic shared the news online, expressing pride in his young husband and revealing plans to support Flores Maldonado’s application for U.S. asylum.

Joe Exotic’s love life has often been as tumultuous as his Netflix series uncovers. Following the tragic death of previous husband Travis Maldonado and divorce from Dillon Passage, Exotic has found new hope in this relationship. Describing Jorge Flores Maldonado as “an amazing young man,” Exotic’s commitment remains unwavering, indicating his desire to either stay in America under asylum or leave the country together after release.

Legal Battles and Hope for Clemency

Exotic’s marriage unfolds against the backdrop of his long-standing legal woes. Convicted in 2019 for orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Carol Baskin and violating wildlife laws, Exotic’s 22-year sentence has been a defining aspect of his life. Despite these challenges, he holds out hope for an overturned conviction and continues to fight for a presidential pardon.

“I wish someone that is President or wins the Presidency would do the right thing and pardon me so I could move past this nightmare that my own country has caused for the last 7 years of my life,” said Joe Exotic.

Flores Maldonado is serving time due to immigration violations, aligning with Exotic’s intention either to obtain asylum or plan their future outside the U.S. Beyond his legal entanglements, Exotic’s deteriorating health also plays a role, as he battles prostate cancer in remission and potential lung cancer. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic and determined to navigate through these hardships.

From Netflix Stardom to Prison Marriage

Joe Exotic’s rise to notoriety began with the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” shedding light on his dramatic life and unconventional dealings with exotic animals. Viewers watched as law enforcement arrested Exotic in 2018, ultimately leading to his multi-year imprisonment. Through it all, he uses his fame and resources to advocate for himself and his partner, hoping for a brighter future together.

“Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado,” Exotic proudly posted online.

For the prison authorities, this marriage signifies another complex layer of his unusual life story. Even behind bars, Exotic’s narrative continues captivating audiences as he navigates marriage, legal battles, and personal health concerns. Both he and Jorge Flores Maldonado await the unknowns of their futures, holding onto hopes for eventual freedom and tranquility.

Sources:

  1. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-tiger-king-joe-exotic-35095368
  2. https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/tiger-king-joe-exotic-marries-35095691
  3. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/tiger-kings-joe-exotic-says-hes-married-to-fellow-prison-inmate-amid-21-year-sentence/
  4. https://nypost.com/2025/04/22/us-news/tiger-king-star-joe-exotic-gets-married-behind-bars-to-inmate-doing-time-for-immigration-crimes/