This is a story fit for reality TV…
The “Tiger King” is re-entering the world of politics. Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as “Joe Exotic” or the “Tiger King” has announced he's running for president as a libertarian.
He is hardly the first celebrity to run for public office…
Recently, 90s sitcom “Boy Meets World” star Ben Savage (D) announced he is running for Congress. He is running for California's 30th District, which is currently held by Rep. Adam Schiff who recently announced his campaign for Senate. (RELATED: Hollywood Child Star to Run for Adam Schiff's House Seat)
“Together, we can do better. I am a proud Californian, union member and longtime resident of District 30 who comes from a family of unwavering service to our country and community,” Savage wrote. “I firmly believe in standing up for what is right, ensuring equality and expanding opportunities for all.”
“I'm running for Congress because it's time to restore faith in government by offering reasonable, innovative and compassionate solutions to our country's most pressing issues. And it's time for new and passionate leaders who can help move our country forward. Leaders who want to see the government operating at maximum capacity, unhindered by political divisions and special interests,” he added.
Savage became a household name in the 90s for his role as Cory Matthews on “Boy Meets World” from 1993 to 2000. He returned to play Matthews in the recent spinoff “Girl Meets World,” which ran from 2014 to 2017.
Maldonado-Passage, who is currently serving a 21-year sentence in federal prison, says being behind bars won't stop him.
The Tiger King launched a new campaign website, with a personal message: “Thank you for your interest in my Campaign. Yes, I know I am in Federal Prison and you might think this is a joke but it's not. It is my Constitutional right to do this even from here.”
“So put aside that I am gay, that I am in prison for now, that I used drugs in the past, that I had more then one boyfriend at once and that Carole hates my guts. This all has not a thing to do with me being able to be your voice. The best thing you have going for supporting me is that I am used to fighting my whole life just to get by. I am broke, they have taken everything I ever worked for away, and it's time we take this country back,” he wrote on the campaign site.
In 2018, the former owner of the Greater Wynnewood Animal Park was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of murder-for-hire in a plot to kill big cat activist Carole Baskin.
According to The Hill, A grand jury also indicted Maldonado-Passage on an additional 19 counts of wildlife charges, including the violation of the Endangered Species Act and Lacey Act. Prosecutors say he shot and killed five tigers in October 2017 to make room in cages for other big cats and sold tiger cubs to raise money.
In 2020, Maldonado-Passage and Baskin's bizarre feud rose to international prominence thanks to the hit Netflix series “Tiger King.”
Joe Exotic is hardly the first celebrity to make what many would call a far-left attempt at the White House.
In 2020, controversial rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, also launched a presidential campaign. The rapper, who has faced heavy criticism over his anti-Semitic remarks has also made comments he will launch a 2024 campaign.
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I admire the lofty goals of the Libertarian Party. However, with the two Maga-parties ruling the roost, if you vote Libertarian, you are essentially flushing your vote where the sun don’t shine.