Joe Exotic, the former zookeeper and star of the hit Netflix series “Tiger King,” has announced his engagement while behind bars. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is currently serving a 22-year sentence in a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and other charges.
Exotic’s fiancée is Dillon Passage, a 24-year-old bartender from Texas. The couple reportedly met in 2017, just months before Exotic was arrested and charged with attempting to hire someone to kill his rival, animal rights activist Carole Baskin. Despite the challenges of their long-distance relationship and Exotic’s incarceration, the couple has remained committed to each other.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Passage confirmed the engagement and expressed his love and support for Exotic. He stated, “Joe is my everything. He’s the reason I’m still standing. I’ve been through a lot the past few years, but Joe has been my rock through it all. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.”
The news of Exotic’s engagement has sparked a mix of reactions from fans and critics alike. Some have expressed support and happiness for the couple, while others question the sincerity of their relationship. Many have also raised concerns about the ethics of a romantic relationship between a prisoner and a civilian.
Despite the controversy, Exotic and Passage remain determined to move forward with their engagement. Passage has been vocal about his plans to visit Exotic in prison and eventually marry him once he is released. In the meantime, the couple continues to communicate through letters, phone calls, and occasional prison visits.
Exotic’s life story has captured the attention of millions of viewers through the success of “Tiger King,” which premiered on Netflix in March 2020. The documentary series follows Exotic’s life as a flamboyant zookeeper and his bitter feud with Baskin, the owner of a big cat sanctuary. The show also explores the controversial world of exotic animal breeding and the legal battles that have surrounded it.
As Exotic’s engagement makes headlines, it’s clear that his story continues to captivate audiences around the world. Whether the couple’s relationship will withstand the challenges of prison life remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Joe Exotic’s life remains as wild and unpredictable as ever.