Joe Exotic, Star of Netflix’s ‘Tiger King,’ Wants His 22-Year Prison Sentence Overturned

Joe Exotic, star of Netflix’s Tiger King, is looking to have his 22-year prison sentence overturned.

In January, Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for attempting to hire a hitman to murder his rival, Carole Baskin. He was also ordered to participate in a mental health program upon his release and to abstain from drinking alcohol or consuming drugs before and after the treatment program. Most importantly, Exotic was ordered to have no contact with Baskin. He pleaded not guilty to those charges, as well as others relating to animal abuse.

The court order also lists other terms, stating that “The defendant is prohibited from making any threats regarding the person or property of Carole Baskin.” Exotic is not allowed to own any species of animal listed as endangered or prohibited by the law. He also has to allow officials to execute random searches of his property after being released.

However, Exotic feels that he is the victim of a conspiracy between Jeff Lowe, his ex-Zoo partner, and government agencies, which include the U.S. Federal Wildlife Service and the United States Department of Interior. As a result, Exotic is now suing his ex-partner, both agencies and James Garretson, Daniel Ashe, and Allen Glover. Exotic sold Lowe his G.W. Zoo before being sentenced. Lowe then changed the name of the zoo to Greater Wynnewood Animal Park, which still remains open.⠀

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, in addition to a $94 million payout from his lawsuit, Exotic is also seeking his freedom. He has appealed his 22-year prison sentence, believing that the court ruled in error and is requesting that the sentence be thrown out completely.

In newly filed court documents, Exotic states, “Notice is hereby given that Joseph Maldonado-Passage, defendant in the above-named case, hereby appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit from the final judgment entered in this action on January 23, 2020.”⠀⠀

Exotic has been serving his sentence at Grady County Jail in Chickasha, OK. He is now in the process of being transferred amid the success of the Tiger King.