Former zookeeper and reality TV star Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, has called out social media personality Kim Kardashian for not helping him get out of prison. Exotic went on a scorching rant against Kardashian and pop artist Justin Bieber for not using their platforms to help him.

Exotic, widely known as “The Tiger King,” was a former zookeeper who took social media by storm after a docuseries about his life, The Tiger King, was released on Netflix. The docuseries also focused on Exotic’s rivalry with fellow zookeeper and animal rights activist Carole Baskin. Exotic was sentenced to 21 years in prison after he was caught in a murder-for-hire scheme against Baskin.

Exotic is also known for his presidential bids. In the 2016 presidential election, Exotic ran as an independent candidate. One year later, he filed for candidacy for the 2020 election as a Libertarian. Then, in 2022, Exotic claimed he would run for president again in 2024 with social media personality Andrew Tate as his running mate.

In a prison interview with the Daily Mail, Exotic criticized several notable figures for their lack of aid. While imprisoned, Exotic was diagnosed with prostate cancer that he later said spread to his pelvis. Exotic claims he tried to reach out to many celebrities for assistance, including Kardashian’s younger half-sister, Kendall Jenner.

“I’ve called Kim Kardashian plain out,” said Exotic. “Am I too white for her help? Because all I need is her voice. I don’t need her money.”

Kardashian has advocated prison reform and clemency and notably helped several people receive presidential pardons. 

Read more about:
Ann Hoang

Article by Ann Hoang

Leave a comment

Subscribe to the uInterview newsletter