BY: Jasmine Franklin
Published 6 days ago
Joe Exotic, Netflix’s “Tiger King” reality star, has tied the knot behind bars. While serving a 21-year sentence, the controversial zookeeper, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, found love in the most unlikely place: federal prison. His new marriage marks a surprising turn in the story of one of reality television’s most infamous figures.
Tiger King Marries in Prison
Never been more proud of someone.
Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado pic.twitter.com/0Ee6lfxBSR— Joe Exotic (@joe_exotic) April 22, 2025
Earlier this week, the reality TV star announced on his X page that he was officially off the market. He married fellow inmate Jorge Marquez.
“Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado,“ he gushed.
Maldonado-Passage made clear to followers that his wedding photo was digitally altered. He made it clear that the feds wouldn’t allow them to have tuxedos or flowers.
This wedding adds another chapter to the saga that captivated millions during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness“ became a cultural phenomenon. Since then, Joe Exotic’s legal troubles and health concerns have kept him in the headlines. Now, his recent nuptials are the newest headline in his rollercoaster journey.
Who Is Joe Exotic’s New Husband?
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Maldonado-Passage shared his engagement last October.
“Meet Jorge Marquez he is 33,“ the former exotic pet owner wrote. “He is so amazing and is from Mexico.”
“Now, the quest of getting married in prison and getting him asylum, or leaving America when we both get out. Either way, I wish I had met him long ago,“ he continued.
He’s reportedly in good spirits and focused on his current appeal, which he anticipates winning.
Life Behind Bars and the Road Ahead
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According to PETA, Joe Exotic began serving his 21-year sentence in early 2020 after a jury found him guilty on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder-for-hire. The court ruled that he paid a hitman to kill animal rights activist Carole Baskin and also violated multiple wildlife protection laws while running his private zoo in Oklahoma.
Since entering prison, Joe has transferred multiple times due to health concerns, eventually landing at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He now lives in a specialized facility designed to care for inmates with ongoing medical needs. Joe continues to face serious health issues, including prostate cancer and autoimmune complications, which he claims have worsened since incarceration.
Despite those conditions, he remains vocal about his desire for freedom. His legal team has filed several appeals, arguing that prosecutors mishandled the original case and relied too heavily on unreliable witnesses. Courts have denied each request, leaving Joe with nearly two decades left to serve unless a new trial or presidential pardon changes his fate.
It’s a dramatic yet unexpected turn in a saga of controversy, conflict, and larger-than-life moments. Joe Exotic continues to create headlines, build relationships, and live boldly—even behind bars. He finds ways to surprise the public at every turn. With Joe, nothing follows the rules, including love.
What do you think about Joe Exotic finding love behind bars? Drop your thoughts below #LoveBehindBars!
