Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tiger King star Joe Exotic is selling an NFT collection from prison

‘Whether you love me or hate me for what you think I’ve done, there’s no doubt that everyone wants a piece of The Tiger King’

Rachel Brodsky
Los Angeles
Tuesday 15 June 2021 17:47 BST
Comments
Netflix announces new Tiger King aftershow
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tiger King star Joe Exotic is releasing his first digital-art collection (aka non-fungible tokens, or, NFTs) from prison in Fort Worth, Texas.

The controversial personality, best known for appearing in Netflix's popular docu-series, is partnering with a US cryptocurrency club called MORE.

“Being able to auction off collectibles makes me feel connected with the outside world, especially without my cats by my side,” Exotic said in a statement. “Whether you love me or hate me for what you think I've done, there's no doubt that everyone wants a piece of The Tiger King!”

As a part of his collaboration, Exotic also intends to send real-life collectibles, according to a release, such as “Joe’s favorite pistol and holster, commonly worn jackets as seen on Tiger King, adult film star Rachel Starr’s bikini as pictured on the series, and digital artworks and tokens”.

NFTs have exploded into popularity recently based on the rise of cryptocurrency technologies, and the desire for digital artists to have greater ownership – and monetisation options – over their craft.

Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, shot to fame after appearing as the main subject in Netflix’s Tiger King docu-series.

He is currently in prison after being convicted on a number of charges, including a murder-for-hire plot against his rival, Big Cat Rescue boss Carole Baskin.

While Exotic is currently due for release in 2037, he previously sought clemency from former president Donald Trump, but his appeals were ignored. Earlier in spring, Exotic issued another plea to be let out of prison, claiming that he is the victim of “conspiracy”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in