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Last Updated: April 23, 2025, 14:17 IST
Joe Exotic Celebrates His Third Marriage with Fellow Inmate
Joe Exotic, an American media figure known for his controversial past, has made headlines again due to his recent marriage. On April 21, the 62-year-old, whose birth name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, wed fellow inmate Jorge Marquez. He announced this significant life event on his X account the following day, sharing that their romance began within the confines of the prison.
In a heartfelt post on his profile, Joe showcased a photo of the couple dressed in coordinated black tuxedos and white hats, proudly stating, “Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado.”
This announcement follows Joe’s engagement to Jorge, which he declared in October of the previous year while both were still incarcerated. In that announcement on X, he introduced Jorge, noting that he is 33 years old and hails from Mexico. Joe expressed his dreams of marrying in prison and working towards obtaining asylum for Jorge, suggesting, “Either way, I wish I would have met him long ago.”
Just prior to their wedding, Joe shared a post on Instagram emphasizing his deep affection for Jorge. He remarked on the challenges they’ve faced together, including his battle with cancer, and expressed hope for eventual freedom, declaring, “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.”
Who is Joe Exotic?
Joe Exotic gained notoriety through Netflix’s 2020 true crime docuseries, “Tiger King,” which highlighted his rivalry with animal rights activist Carole Baskin. Currently, he is serving a lengthy prison sentence of 21 years, following his conviction in 2020 for a murder-for-hire scheme against his adversary, as well as for multiple violations of federal wildlife regulations.
This marriage to Jorge marks Joe’s third. His prior unions include a marriage to Travis Maldonado from 2015 until Travis’s tragic death in 2017 due to an accidental shooting. Following that, Joe married Dillon Passage, with their relationship ending in 2021.
Jorge Marquez, the 33-year-old groom, is also serving time for immigration-related offenses. Their unique relationship, which has developed under extraordinary circumstances, continues to captivate public interest.
Source
www.news18.com