Joe Exotic Files for Divorce From Dillon Passage Amid Prison Sentence, Health Woes
"Tiger King" star Joe Exotic is taking legal steps to officially cut ties with his husband Dillon Passage amid his prison sentence and health problems.
Last year, the famed zoo owner announced that he and his partner are separating after three years of marriage, and it wasn't an easy decision for them.
According to People Magazine, the reality star, currently serving a 21-year sentence, filed legal documents in Santa Rosa County, Florida, where he and Passage previously lived together as husbands.
The "Tiger King" star's lawyer, Autumn Beck Blackledge, said Passage failed to "serve his husband and did not follow through with obtaining a divorce through the legal system."
Exotic reportedly tried to contact his husband several times in the past, but he did not respond. But today, he's hoping to move on with their lives and the divorce proceedings to move "quickly and amicably."
The lawyer added that the Netflix star is almost done with his cancer treatment and "has fallen in love." He clarified that Exotic has no ill intention for his estranged husband but has been trying to reach him to get a divorce settlement.
From his own perspective, Blackledge said he believes that the ex-couple has moved on from their romantic connection, and both should have the right to love again.
According to legal documents, Exotic referred to their marriage as "irretrievably broken."
In addition, he wanted his estranged husband to drop "Passage" from his legal name.
As of this writing, Passage has not publicly commented on the matter.
Joe Exotic's Prison Sentence, Prostate Cancer Journey
The recent report comes two months after a federal judge resentenced the zookeeper to 21 years in prison on a murder-for-hire charge.
His previous prison sentence was 22 years, given in January of 2020. Exotic was convicted of attempting to hire two men to murder Carole Baskin.
Initially, Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, said he's delaying his cancer treatment until he's resentenced.
In November, he announced that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Per CNN, the reality TV star wrote a letter to announce his current medical condition, saying his doctors told him he has cancer and doesn't want anyone's pity.
