Concerns for Joe Exotic’s Husband After Deportation
Joe Exotic’s husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado, expressed his fears after being deported to Mexico. He feels threatened by the local cartel presence and worries for his safety, particularly in Tamaulipas, where he now resides.
“There’s a lot of organized crime here, and no real security,” Maldonado shared this week. He feels his fame puts him at risk, saying, “I’m a very famous person and now I’m at risk of being targeted.”
Maldonado, 33, was deported on May 17 after being detained for allegedly transporting six undocumented migrants across the US-Mexico border in August.
The stark difference between his current life and his time with Joe Exotic—whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado Passage—hits hard. “It was a beautiful romance,” he recalled. Their initial connection blossomed while they were both in prison, despite Maldonado not knowing English at first. Joe expressed a desire to get to know him better, leading to a unique dynamic where they communicated through translation.
Interestingly, Maldonado admitted he had never watched “Tiger King” or known much about Joe’s notoriety. However, he found solace and joy in their relationship during their time in the prison yard, where they shared moments over workouts and movies.
After their wedding in November, where Maldonado got a tattoo of Joe’s name and another tattoo reflecting Joe’s character, the couple’s connection deepened. “He’s so nice; he always makes me laugh,” Maldonado expressed affectionately.
Once Maldonado was deported, that newfound connection faced a major hurdle. Communication has become sparse, leading to feelings of despair and depression. “I feel bad, I was very desperate,” he admitted.
Now, he is hoping for a miracle, seeking a way back to the United States. “I want Donald Trump to pardon my husband so we can be together at the beach,” he said. Maldonado emphasized their dreams and plans together, including Joe’s desire to return to music as they navigate this uncertain situation.
Reflecting on a past conversation, Maldonado recalled that when asked about potentially pardoning Joe, Trump had stated he was unaware of the specifics but would “see.”
