Tiger King's Joe Exotic Marries Fellow Inmate Jorge Marquez In Middle Of His 21-Year Prison Sentence
Joe posted a picture of himself with his new husband, dressed in matching black tuxedos and white hats.
Joe Exotic, an American media personality and businessman, is back in the headlines, this time for his love life. On Monday, April 21, the 62-year-old, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, married his fellow inmate, Jorge Marquez. He took to his X account on Tuesday, April 22, to share the big news with the world. Their love story began within the walls of prison.
Taking to his account, Joe posted a picture of himself with his new husband, where the couple was seen dressed in matching black tuxedos and white hats. The Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness star proudly introduced his husband to the world, saying, 'Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado."
Never been more proud of someone.Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado pic.twitter.com/0Ee6lfxBSR — Joe Exotic (@joe_exotic) April 22, 2025
This comes just months after the former zookeeper announced his engagement to Jorge in October, while they were both incarcerated. At that time, Joe shared a post on X, where he revealed his relationship with 33-year-old Jorge. 'Meet Jorge Marquez, he is 33. He is so amazing and is from Mexico. Now, the quest of getting married in prison and getting him asylum, or we be leaving America when we both get out,' he said, adding, 'Either way, I wish I would have met him long ago."
Just days before getting married to Jorge, Joe shared a post on his Instagram account, talking about his love for his new spouse. Sharing his hopes for freedom, he wrote, 'He has gotten me through so much fighting cancer under these conditions. All I pray to God for is Trump will allow me to enjoy a little life outside with him before it's too late. I love you Jorge, you are my life."
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A post shared by Joseph A Maldonado (@joe_exotic)
Who is Joe Exotic?
Joe Exotic, a Kansas-born zookeeper, rose to popularity with Netflix's 2020 true-crime documentary, titled Tiger King, which centred on his conflict with conservation activist Carole Baskin. He is currently serving a 21-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot against his longtime rival and animal rights activist Carole. He was convicted in 2020 not only for the failed hit but also for violating federal wildlife laws.
As for his personal life, Joe's marriage to Jorge is his third one. Previously, the Oklahoma zookeeper was married to Travis Maldonado from 2015 until 2017, when the latter died after accidentally shooting himself. Joe then married Dillon Passage two months later before parting ways with him in 2021.
Speaking of Jorge, the 33-year-old Mexican national, is reportedly incarcerated for immigration-related charges.
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