Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, is seen at the zoo he used to run in Wynnewood, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Share this @internewscast.com

(The Hill) – Joe Exotic from “Tiger King” is once again expressing his disappointment with President Trump. Exotic is upset over the decision to pardon reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley for their fraud and tax evasion convictions, while Exotic himself received no such clemency.

“You are either rich and connected or you’re poor and being trafficked by the system,” stated Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, in a series of posts uploaded to his Instagram account on Tuesday, criticizing the pardons.

“I guess being innocent is not enough in America,” he remarked in another post shared on social platform X. “They all admitted to perjury on world television, yet I’m left to die of cancer before I can get any help.”

Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, is seen at the zoo he used to run in Wynnewood, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, is seen at the zoo he used to run in Wynnewood, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

He added in separate X post, “I don’t have a million dollars but I would give it if I could get out to work.”

In other posts on both platforms, the 61-year-old “Tiger King” star insisted he is innocent, claiming he “did not hurt anyone” and “did not pay anyone.”

Maldonado’s criticism comes after Trump pardoned the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” a reality series that lasted from 2014 until 2023. The couple was convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion charges in 2022.

The ex-zoo owner has been serving a 22-year federal prison sentence since 2020 for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin, who also appeared in the Netflix documentary series. A federal judge resentenced Exotic to 21 years in prison in 2022.

He has been calling for a pardon from Trump since the president’s first term in office. He also pressed former President Joe Biden to offer him clemency while he was in office.

Maldonado has made a point to voice his displeasure almost every time a new pardon is announced. In January, he criticized the president and his predecessor after the former president granted pardons to some members of his family and Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,500 rioters charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. 

“If I was a crack dealer, maybe if I broke in the [Capitol] … or even have been related to the Bidens. I might have gotten some relief on being in prison innocent,” he said at the time.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago police issue alert on series of necklace-snatching robberies in Loop, Grant Park

Chicago police warn of string of necklace thefts in Loop and Grant Park areas

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police issued an alert Monday about a series…
Houston man charged with murder in shooting of 11-year-old boy after doorbell prank

Houston Man Faces Murder Charge Following Shooting of 11-Year-Old Boy in Doorbell Prank Incident

A Houston man has been charged with murder after an 11-year-old boy…
Cherokee County, Alabama crash: 2 adults killed, 7 children injured in ATV accident at off-road park

Tragic ATV Accident in Cherokee County, AL: 2 Adults Dead, 7 Children Hurt at Off-Road Park

PIEDMONT, Ala. — In a tragic incident at an isolated all-terrain vehicle…
ICE in Chicago: Donald Trump's immigration crackdown could start this week ahead of Mexican Independence Day 2025 celebrations

Immigration Raids in Chicago: Trump’s Crackdown May Begin Before 2025 Mexican Independence Day Festivities

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the city prepares for an ICE increase and…
Homicide investigation underway after Lake Michigan drowning death of Plainfield, Illinois man Nabil Abzal, known as Captain Bill

Investigation Launched into Lake Michigan Drowning Death of Plainfield Man, Nabil Abzal, Also Known as Captain Bill

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago boating community is mourning the loss of…
Suzanne’s brother calls Barry Morphew ‘soulless predator’ with 'no redemption' as judge weighs bail request

Suzanne’s brother labels Barry Morphew a ‘soulless predator’ with ‘no redemption’ as judge considers bail request

Suzanne Morphew’s brother had harsh words for her husband, Barry, as his…
New Florida law adds course for teens seeking driver's license learner's permit

Florida Introduces New Course Requirement for Teens Applying for a Learner’s Permit

Teens in Florida are now mandated to fulfill a six-hour driver’s education…

Midair Collision Between Two Small Planes at Colorado Airport Leaves 1 Dead, 3 Injured

FORT MORGAN, Colo. (AP) — One individual was killed, and three others…
Brunswick community mourns girl’s death amid gun violence concerns

Community in Brunswick Heartbroken by Loss of Young Girl, Raises Alarms Over Gun Violence

A faith leader called for unity after a 14-year-old girl was shot…
DCPS board to vote on HQ changes

DCPS Board Set to Decide on Headquarters Modifications

DCPS is considering moving its headquarters, which could potentially provide millions for…
FEMA, IEMA, US SBA, more to survey Chicago, Illinois, Cook County after August flooding damage for possible funding

FEMA, IEMA, US SBA, and other agencies to assess flood damage in Chicago and Cook County from August for potential funding assistance.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Assessment teams will be surveying parts of Chicago and…
Powerball winning numbers: Winning numbers for $1.1 billion Labor Day drawing

Powerball Results: Check the Winning Numbers for the $1.1 Billion Labor Day Jackpot

Here are the winning numbers for the $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot Labor…