Latest news with #Exotic
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Exclusive: Joe Exotic Shares Updates on Prison Life and Deported Husband
Joe Exotic, star of the Netflix documentary Tiger King that garnered him global attention during the COVID pandemic, told Newsweek in an exclusive new interview that he has "lost everything." Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado, became a household name five years ago when Netflix aired a documentary centered on him, his affection for tigers, and a zany cast of characters working at his tiger sanctuary in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, from 1999 to 2018. Prior to the documentary's release, he was convicted of two counts of murder-for-hire against Carole Baskin—an adversary in Tiger King—and eventually sentenced to 21 years in prison. This November marks eight years that he's behind bars. Exotic claims to have never reaped any rewards for being the centerpiece. In fact, he said he hadn't even seen Tiger King until about five months ago because he's currently weighing his legal options in a battle with the streaming giant. The 62-year-old spoke at length with Newsweek via phone from inside the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, about his health issues, how he reacted and is dealing with his husband's deportation to Mexico, and how he has sought pardons or a commuted sentence from numerous politicians and celebrities, including President Donald Trump. Exotic has prostate cancer and cancer in his left lung. The day prior to the interview, he went to the doctor and was directed to take another PET scan because it's believed the cancer from his prostate has spread to his ribs. Even while held inside a medical facility to do his time, he called the medical care within "pathetic." "My earliest out date right now is October 1, 2030," he said. "With the medical care I get in here, I probably won't even make it five more years." In May, his 33-year-old husband Jorge Marquez Flores was deported to Mexico for illegal entry to the United States, after completing a federal prison sentence. Exotic has attempted different forms of pleas and outreach to reunite and live with Flores someday in the U.S., including offering to give the government half his earnings in exchange for a post-prison—in addition to saying he would purchase one of Trump's "gold cards" floated as a broader method to grant U.S. residency to those who invest $5 million in the country. Exotic speaks with Flores, who he last saw in person on May 16, two to three times a day. "He is in Mexico at his aunt's house, praying to God and making videos, asking President Trump for forgiveness and to let [him] come home," Exotic said. "Our plan is, I'm gonna go to Mexico. I really want to go live in Cozumel." He added: "I will work to do whatever I got to do, to either buy a Trump gold card for him, or to go through the asylum process to get him back into America the right way because he shouldn't have come in the wrong way. He knows that; I know that. We don't hold him being deported against anybody because that's the law." In April 2019, a federal jury found him guilty on two counts of hiring someone to murder Baskin, founder of Big Cat Rescue in Florida, eight counts of violating the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act by killing five tigers and selling tigers across state lines. Regarding Baskin, he said the documentary portrayed her as close to who she actually is. "To this day you'll never convince me she didn't kill her husband because I investigated it for almost 10 years, and I have her original diary," Exotic said. "I interviewed all of her staff and all of her past staff. She killed him." Baskin has denied that she had any involvement in her husband's disappearance or death. Exotic also takes umbrage with the Endangered Species Act charges. "That's my ultimate goal, to prove that generic tigers that are branded in captivity in the United States do not belong on the United States endangered species list because the endangered species list of 1973 was written to protect the native species and the habitats of our lands," he said. "Tigers, elephants, chimpanzees, orangutans, none of that belongs on our endangered species [list]. We are spending billions of dollars regulating something in America that is protected." Exotic continues to try to talk to anybody who will listen in hope he can get a pardon, or at least an early release. Representative Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, said last week that her office received an inquiry from Exotic for help. He's made additional reach outs to lawmakers and celebrities including Secretary of State Marco Rubio (when he was a senator), former GOP Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, Joe Rogan, Andrew Tate, Dana White, Hulk Hogan, and President Trump. "I've got a lot of big names out there asking President Trump to make this right," Exotic said. "Why he won't is beyond all of us. You know, he would be so popular and so praised if he would just let me go home." He added: "I don't even need a pardon because I would take just a commuted sentence to time served because I don't need to carry a gun and I don't do drugs. I just need to be able to travel to work because I can become a millionaire with this platform and do good with my charity work as a felon." He said he "looks up" to Trump, who he acknowledged to also be a felon "persecuted by the very same government that persecuted me." "I would never believe it if I didn't live it," Exotic says about his days in prison, which he says is akin more to a college dormitory than doors and bars you would see in TV or movies. He gets up around 7 or 8 a.m., takes a shower, and then watches his fellow inmates in the low-security facility. "Drugs in here is crazy," he said. "You would never believe how many drugs are inside a federal prison. And that's why when I was running for president, I was like, you are so wasting your time on drugs against the war on the border when you can't keep them out of a fenced-in federal is nothing but a college for wannabe drug addicts." He said he spends days watching half the prison population "act like 2-year-olds drooling because they're so high on synthetic marijuana." "It is it overwhelming and gratifying that the entire world knows who I am," he admitted. "I absolutely am upset that they made me out to be a meth head and some crazy fool." Exotic said he gets along with everyone in prison because he honors his words and minds his own business. His life outside is emptier. Both his parents died, one in 2019 and the other in 2020. His husband is in a foreign country and may not be able to return. His three siblings have maintained no contact with him since 1997, which he says is because he's a homosexual. "There is light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "But what keeps me going—I've never even had a speeding ticket. I have no criminal history, period. I know who I am, and my parents raised me to do right." He continued: "And even though I've lost everything I've ever worked for, I am so looking forward to walking out these gates—whether it's with President Trump's blessing or not, and making my life or what I have left of it 10 times better than the life that I had. And I had a pretty good life." Related Articles Lauren Boebert Praises 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic As He Seeks Pardon'Tiger King' Joe Exotic Issues Trump Plea, Says Husband Was DeportedJoe Exotic Asks Trump for Pardon, Says Mexican Partner Will Deport HimselfJoe Exotic Makes New Pardon Push as Cancer Returns: 'Not Going to Live to Carry Out Sentence' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Exclusive: Joe Exotic Shares Updates on Prison Life and Deported Husband
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Joe Exotic, star of the Netflix documentary Tiger King that garnered him global attention during the COVID pandemic, told Newsweek in an exclusive new interview that he has "lost everything." Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado, became a household name five years ago when Netflix aired a documentary centered on him, his affection for tigers, and a zany cast of characters working at his tiger sanctuary in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, from 1999 to 2018. Prior to the documentary's release, he was convicted of two counts of murder-for-hire against Carole Baskin—an adversary in Tiger King—and eventually sentenced to 21 years in prison. This November marks eight years that he's behind bars. Exotic claims to have never reaped any rewards for being the centerpiece. In fact, he said he hadn't even seen Tiger King until about five months ago because he's currently weighing his legal options in a battle with the streaming giant. The 62-year-old spoke at length with Newsweek via phone from inside the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, about his health issues, how he reacted and is dealing with his husband's deportation to Mexico, and how he has sought pardons or a commuted sentence from numerous politicians and celebrities, including President Donald Trump. Health Issues Exotic has prostate cancer and cancer in his left lung. The day prior to the interview, he went to the doctor and was directed to take another PET scan because it's believed the cancer from his prostate has spread to his ribs. Even while held inside a medical facility to do his time, he called the medical care within "pathetic." "My earliest out date right now is October 1, 2030," he said. "With the medical care I get in here, I probably won't even make it five more years." "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic spoke with Newsweek about his prison experience, health issues, fighting back against Netflix, and how he's dealt with the deportation of his husband. "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic spoke with Newsweek about his prison experience, health issues, fighting back against Netflix, and how he's dealt with the deportation of his husband. Newsweek Illustration/Canva/Getty/AP Newsroom Deported Husband In May, his 33-year-old husband Jorge Marquez Flores was deported to Mexico for illegal entry to the United States, after completing a federal prison sentence. Exotic has attempted different forms of pleas and outreach to reunite and live with Flores someday in the U.S., including offering to give the government half his earnings in exchange for a post-prison—in addition to saying he would purchase one of Trump's "gold cards" floated as a broader method to grant U.S. residency to those who invest $5 million in the country. Exotic speaks with Flores, who he last saw in person on May 16, two to three times a day. "He is in Mexico at his aunt's house, praying to God and making videos, asking President Trump for forgiveness and to let [him] come home," Exotic said. "Our plan is, I'm gonna go to Mexico. I really want to go live in Cozumel." He added: "I will work to do whatever I got to do, to either buy a Trump gold card for him, or to go through the asylum process to get him back into America the right way because he shouldn't have come in the wrong way. He knows that; I know that. We don't hold him being deported against anybody because that's the law." Pleas for Pardons In April 2019, a federal jury found him guilty on two counts of hiring someone to murder Baskin, founder of Big Cat Rescue in Florida, eight counts of violating the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act by killing five tigers and selling tigers across state lines. Regarding Baskin, he said the documentary portrayed her as close to who she actually is. "To this day you'll never convince me she didn't kill her husband because I investigated it for almost 10 years, and I have her original diary," Exotic said. "I interviewed all of her staff and all of her past staff. She killed him." Baskin has denied that she had any involvement in her husband's disappearance or death. Exotic also takes umbrage with the Endangered Species Act charges. "That's my ultimate goal, to prove that generic tigers that are branded in captivity in the United States do not belong on the United States endangered species list because the endangered species list of 1973 was written to protect the native species and the habitats of our lands," he said. "Tigers, elephants, chimpanzees, orangutans, none of that belongs on our endangered species [list]. We are spending billions of dollars regulating something in America that is protected." Exotic continues to try to talk to anybody who will listen in hope he can get a pardon, or at least an early release. Representative Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, said last week that her office received an inquiry from Exotic for help. He's made additional reach outs to lawmakers and celebrities including Secretary of State Marco Rubio (when he was a senator), former GOP Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, Joe Rogan, Andrew Tate, Dana White, Hulk Hogan, and President Trump. "I've got a lot of big names out there asking President Trump to make this right," Exotic said. "Why he won't is beyond all of us. You know, he would be so popular and so praised if he would just let me go home." He added: "I don't even need a pardon because I would take just a commuted sentence to time served because I don't need to carry a gun and I don't do drugs. I just need to be able to travel to work because I can become a millionaire with this platform and do good with my charity work as a felon." He said he "looks up" to Trump, who he acknowledged to also be a felon "persecuted by the very same government that persecuted me." Prisoners 'Drooling' From Drug Use "I would never believe it if I didn't live it," Exotic says about his days in prison, which he says is akin more to a college dormitory than doors and bars you would see in TV or movies. He gets up around 7 or 8 a.m., takes a shower, and then watches his fellow inmates in the low-security facility. "Drugs in here is crazy," he said. "You would never believe how many drugs are inside a federal prison. And that's why when I was running for president, I was like, you are so wasting your time on drugs against the war on the border when you can't keep them out of a fenced-in federal is nothing but a college for wannabe drug addicts." He said he spends days watching half the prison population "act like 2-year-olds drooling because they're so high on synthetic marijuana." Fame But Being Alone "It is it overwhelming and gratifying that the entire world knows who I am," he admitted. "I absolutely am upset that they made me out to be a meth head and some crazy fool." Exotic said he gets along with everyone in prison because he honors his words and minds his own business. His life outside is emptier. Both his parents died, one in 2019 and the other in 2020. His husband is in a foreign country and may not be able to return. His three siblings have maintained no contact with him since 1997, which he says is because he's a homosexual. "There is light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "But what keeps me going—I've never even had a speeding ticket. I have no criminal history, period. I know who I am, and my parents raised me to do right." He continued: "And even though I've lost everything I've ever worked for, I am so looking forward to walking out these gates—whether it's with President Trump's blessing or not, and making my life or what I have left of it 10 times better than the life that I had. And I had a pretty good life."
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First Post
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
World Music Day 2025: Diljit Dosanjh, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Sunny Kaushal- Actors who are also singers
They have lent their vocals to Punjabi raps, soulful lyrics, love medleys and a lot more. Here's looking at 7 renowned actors who have also stunned everyone with their singing talent read more Bollywood consists an impeccable range of talent, where actors are also soulful singers. They have lent their vocals to Punjabi raps, soulful lyrics, love medleys and a lot more. Here's looking at 7 renowned actors who have also stunned everyone with their singing talent. Alia Bhatt: Beyond being celebrated for her on-screen versatility, Alia Bhatt also casts a spell with her soulful voice. From Tenu Samjhawan to Ikk Kudi, Alia also has a separate fanbase for her vocals. She's lent her voice to songs that continue to be felt even today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Priyanka Chopra: Global icon Priyanka Chopra is not just a powerpacked actress, but is also a versatile singer. With depth in her voice, Pee Cee has sung songs like Dil Dhadakne Do, Exotic, and more. During her Bollywood acting career, Priyanka also ventured into the space of pop singing, and was celebrated as a sensation. Sunny Kaushal: Sunny Kaushal has cemented himself as a rising music sensation, with his first song titled Jhandey. Now, with a recent release, Mid Air Freeverse, Sunny Kaushal created a Punjabi rap with elements of Bhangra. At times when Punjabi raps are trending big time, Sunny Kaushal's Mid Air Freeverse is casting a spell among listeners. Diljit Dosanjh: Diljit Dosanjh is a celebrated Punjabi music icon, who contributed significantly in shaping the Punjabi musical space, and broadening its appeal to global levels. With songs like Lover, Hass Hass, Ikk Kudi, Born to Shine and more, he's truly become the G.O.A.T of Punjabi music. Shraddha Kapoor: Shraddha Kapoor won hearts of her admirers with songs like Galliyan and Sab Tera, which cemented her as a soulful singer. Beyond her on-screen brilliance, Shraddha Kapoor continues to connect with her audience through her singing talent. Ayushmann Khurrana: Celebrated as a dynamic actor with unique choices of films under his belt, Ayushmann Khurrana is also a gifted singer. From Nazm Nazm, Saadi Galli Aaja to Pani Da Rang and more, Ayushmann continues to strike the right chord among his listeners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Parineeti Chopra: Though she's done a limited number of films, Parineeti Chopra has tug the heartstrings of the audience through her singing ability. She has added her essence to songs like Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin, Teri Mitti (female version) and more. With a certain kind of softness, Parineeti's voice reaches straight to the heart.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
White House Addresses Tiger King 's Joe Exotic Requesting Pardon
Originally appeared on E! Online Joe Exotic will remain in prison until further notice. The White House responded to the Tiger King docuseries subject's request to be pardoned by President Donald Trump over his conviction for the attempted murder-for-hire of his rival Carole Baskin, for which he is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence in Florida. Addressing the inquiry, a White House official told E! News May 28, "We do not speculate on pardons that may or may not happen." Prior to the executive branch's statement, Exotic—who was convicted of 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder for hire in 2020 but has long proclaimed his innocence—called out Trump for issuing full pardons for Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley over their 2022 tax fraud convictions before helping him out. "I guess being innocent is not enough in America," the 62-year-old wrote in a message on X May 27 before noting that he's also been battling late-stage prostate cancer since being diagnosed in 2021. "They all admitted to perjury on world television but yet I'm left to die of cancer before I can get any help." More from E! Online Brad Pitt Breaks Silence on Finalizing Angelina Jolie Divorce Duck Dynasty's Korie Robertson Says Phil Robertson's Health Declined 'Really Rapidly' Before His Death Todd Chrisley Released From Prison After Donald Trump Pardon He added, "Why is it the entire world can see the evidence but the White House refuses to acknowledge that they did this to me knowing that they were lying." Following the message, many came out in support of Exotic being pardoned, with one user writing on X, "@realDonaldTrump free the Tiger King." Another theorized that it would happen soon, saying, "I have a feeling your gonna be on the list of pardons just hang in there." And while Exotic may be looking to get out of his prison sentence, which is currently scheduled to end in 2041, his time behind bars hasn't only been filled with negative experiences. After all, last month, the former big cat owner announced that he tied the knot with a fellow prison inmate. 'Never been more proud of someone,' Exotic wrote on X April 21, alongside a photo of him and his partner in matching suits at the wedding. 'Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado.' As for the Chrisleys, read on for all the details on their legal case. Indicted on Tax Evasion and Other ChargesTodd and Julie Found GuiltySentenced to Multiple Years in PrisonStarting Their SentencesNo ContactTodd Details Filthy Prison ConditionsSavannah Chrisley Speaks OutJulie's Prison Sentence OverturnedA Tearful ApologyPresident Donald Trump Pardons the Chrisleys For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
The Hill
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Jailed reality TV star Joe Exotic rips Trump Chrisley pardons
'Tiger King's' Joe Exotic is voicing his frustration with President Trump again for pardoning reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley of their fraud and tax evasion charges and not offering him the same. 'You are either rich and connected or your poor and being trafficked by the system,' Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, said in one of many posts criticizing the clemency, which were uploaded on his Instagram account on Tuesday. 'I guess being innocent is not enough in America,' he wrote in another post, this one shared on social platform X. 'They all admitted to perjury on world television but yet I'm left to die of cancer before I can get any help.' He added in separate X post, 'I don't have a million dollars but I would give it if I could get out to work.' In other posts on both platforms, the 61-year-old 'Tiger King' star insisted he is innocent, claiming he 'did not hurt anyone' and 'did not pay anyone.' Maldonado's criticism comes after Trump pardoned the stars of 'Chrisley Knows Best,' a reality series that lasted from 2014 until 2023. The couple was convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion charges in 2022. The ex-zoo owner has been serving a 22-year federal prison sentence since 2020 for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin, who also appeared in the Netflix documentary series. A federal judge resentenced Exotic to 21 years in prison in 2022. He has been calling for a pardon from Trump since the president's first term in office. He also pressed former President Joe Biden to offer him clemency while he was in office. Maldonado has made a point to voice his displeasure almost every time a new pardon is announced. In January, he criticized the president and his predecessor after the former president granted pardons to some members of his family and Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,500 rioters charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. 'If I was a crack dealer, maybe if I broke in the [Capitol] … or even have been related to the Bidens. I might have gotten some relief on being in prison innocent,' he said at the time.
