Joe Exotic hasn’t been forgotten — at least not entirely. Despite being left off the list in the latest round of pardons from President Donald Trump, TMZ has learned that the former Tiger King star still has a real shot at clemency.
Pardon Not Denied — Just Delayed?
According to sources with direct knowledge, Joe Exotic’s case was not reviewed in the recent wave of Trump clemency decisions, which included big names like Todd and Julie Chrisley, NBA YoungBoy, and Larry Hoover.
But insiders say that doesn’t mean Exotic’s case is closed.
“Some people wonder when the best time for a pardon is,” one source said. “Well, freedom is now.”
Why the Delay?
It’s unclear why Exotic — whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage — didn’t make the cut this time around, especially given the high-profile nature of his case and his past public pleas for Trump’s help.
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But those familiar with the Trump clemency process say the team doesn’t base decisions on celebrity status. Instead, they focus on the merits of the case, personal reform, and the potential for a positive future.
Trump Knows the Case
This isn’t the first time Joe Exotic has tried to get Trump’s attention. The Tiger King star has made several public and private appeals for a pardon in the past, even going so far as to send formal applications and videos directly to the White House.
And while he didn’t get what he wanted — yet — the White House remains aware of his situation, according to TMZ’s sources.
Joe Exotic’s Legal Fight
Joe is currently serving a 21-year sentence after being convicted in 2020 for a murder-for-hire plot against rival Carole Baskin, as well as multiple animal abuse charges.
He’s consistently claimed innocence, citing alleged misconduct in his trial and errors in the evidence presented against him.
???? Could Freedom Be Next?
For now, the Tiger King remains behind bars — but with Trump’s pardon pen still active, a second chance may still be within reach.
