Representatives for ‘Tiger King’ star Joe Exotic are “disappointed” not to have received a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump on his final day in the White House.
The former zoo keeper, real name Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for a number of offences, including a murder-for-hire plot against his big cat sanctuary rival Carole Baskin, but his lawyers reached out to Trump last year in an effort to secure Exotic’s early release from jail.
He was given some hope when Trump claimed he’d “take a look” at the case, but as the Republican prepared to leave office on Wednesday morning, Exotic discovered his name was not included in the late Tuesday list of the 143 people who either had their sentences commuted or were allowed to walk free from prison, like rappers Kodak Black and Lil Wayne.
Despite the exclusion, his team remained confident there would be a pardon moments before incoming leader Joe Biden was sworn in.
However, when that failed to happen, his representatives issued a statement expressing their sadness.
“140 million Joe Exotic fans had a hard time getting out of bed this morning,” they shared in a press release.
“We are as disappointed that the President did not sign Joe’s pardon, as we were confident yesterday that he would.”
‘Tiger King’ star Joe Exotic was so convinced he’ll land a pardon from former U.S. leader Donald Trump that he even had a limousine on standby outside prison.
According to Joe’s legal representative, Eric Love, the incarcerated reality TV star could be free on Tuesday:
“This time tomorrow, we’re going to be celebrating,” he said. “We have good reason to believe it will come through. We’re confident enough we already have a limousine parked about half a mile from the prison.
“We are really in action mode right now. I’ve got make-up, wardrobe, the whole unit that will come up. The first thing Joe wants to do, he wants his hair done. He hasn’t had his hair done in two-and-a-half years. That’s the first order of business. Then we’ll probably go and get some pizzas, steak, maybe a McRib.”
WENN