Remember the very first COVID-19 lockdown? Attempting to make sourdough bread. Obsessively watching Tiger King on Netflix. It was a confusing time. Now that chaotic show’s biggest star is back in the news for a suitably barmy reason. Joe Exotic has joined forces with a former 90 Day Fiancé star in a bid to get a pardon from President Joe Biden (sorry, it’s not Big Ed).
Exotic, real name Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was convicted in an infamous murder-for-hire case and is currently serving a 21-year sentence in a North Carolina prison.
He has a scheme to get out though, which was revealed on Instagram earlier this week. “Meet my amazing dear friend Jesse Meester, actor, model, and so much more,” the post started, which featured a shirtless picture of Meester. “You will see him around on my stuff more and more as he is going to help me get a voice to the White House for President Biden to sign my pardon before November of this year. Show him some love. Love you, Jesse.”
Meester immediately returned the love, commenting, “We love you too Joe! People close to you turned their back on you, but not us. You helped many people through (COVID-19) lockdown and we should never forget the truth and authenticity you lived your life with. It’s sad that the backstabbing and lying has become the norm (in) this society. Time to unite and fight back to get you out.”
Reality TV is really just its own little world, isn’t it? Like those Love Island contestants that end up in a relationship with someone from another dating show, now reality TV alum are helping each other with prison convictions.
Who is Exotic’s knight in shining armour, I hear you ask? Jesse Meester first gained prominence on 90 Day Fiancé in 2018 for his very messy romance with Darcey Silva. The pair didn’t stay together, but Meester, who’s also a model, has returned to the show several times since.
It’s also not the first time Exotic has reached out to a reality TV star for help with his sentencing. Two years ago, he called out to Kim Kardashian of all people. “I know you have never met me and may never want to however I do believe that you hold the values of our justice system dear to your heart. Please help me by just taking 10 minutes out of your life and placing a call to President Trump to look at my 257 page pardon,” he asked her at the time.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
For more on this topic, follow the Film & TV Observer.
