Joe Exotic, the star of the Netflix documentary Tiger King, continues to appeal for his release from prison, where he is serving a 22-year sentence for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and illegal tiger trade. Exotic has reached out to former President Trump and current President Biden for pardons, to no avail. He recently posted messages on social media calling out Trump for not responding to his appeals and questioning if his imprisonment is related to the Big Cat Public Safety Act, co-sponsored by Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act, signed into law in December 2022, prohibits the private possession or breeding of big cats for pets or commercial use, as well as public contact with these animals. Joe Exotic, despite being in prison, announced his candidacy for president in the 2024 election cycle. While there are no laws preventing a prisoner from running a campaign, his decision to enter the race has drawn attention to his case and publicized his grievances against Trump for not pardoning him. Exotic has also criticized Trump for what he perceives as an administration agenda to prevent people from owning and interacting with tigers.
Exotic’s campaign for president, despite switching from the Libertarian Party to the Democratic Party, faced financial challenges, with only $1,400 left in available funding after raising over $16,000. His termination report filed with the Federal Election Commission indicated an end to his campaign, raising questions about his future political aspirations. Exotic’s public persona has evolved from a tiger owner to a political figure, using his platform to seek justice for his conviction and advocate for issues related to big cat welfare and ownership.
The ongoing saga of Joe Exotic’s imprisonment and political ambitions highlights the intersection of celebrity culture, animal rights activism, and political advocacy. His rise to fame through the Tiger King documentary has turned him into a polarizing figure, drawing both supporters and critics. Despite his unconventional background and legal troubles, Exotic remains determined to challenge the status quo and make his mark on the political arena. As he navigates his quest for freedom and political relevance, his actions and statements continue to generate public interest and debate around issues of justice, animal welfare, and the power dynamics within the political system.
