Tiger King star Joe Exotic has revealed he is fighting an aggressive form of cancer as he pleads to be released from jail.
The documentary star announced the troubling diagnosis through his team via Instagram, as Tiger King Season 2 is set to air soon.
The 58-year-old former zoo owner even claimed his co-star and rival Carole Baskin will be taking joy in the news of his poor health.
Speaking in a statement posted by his team on his behalf, Joe said: "Everyone, It is with a sad face that I have to tell you the doctors called me in today to break the news that my prostate biopsy came back with an aggressive cancer."
He continued: "I am still waiting on the results from other test as well.
"Right now I don’t want anyone’s pity and I’m sure Carole Will have her own party over this!"
The star then went on to beg for an early release from his Texas jail cell- where he is currently doing a 22 year long stretch.
He continued: "What I need is the world to be my voice to be released, they have the proof I DID NOT DO THIS!
"And there is no reason for the district attorney to drag this out, So I can go home and get treatment on my own or enjoy what life I have left with my loved ones!"
Joe concluded saying: "Say a prayer everyone & be my voice."
The Tiger King star's lawyer John Phillips plans on filing a motion requesting compassionate release from his federal prison in Texas.
A federal jury found the documentary star guilty on two counts of hiring to murder Tiger King co-star Carole in January 2020.
Joe was also found guilty on eight counts of violating the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and on nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act by killing five tigers and for selling tigers across state lines.
The jailed star become a public figure last year thanks to the Netflix documentary Tiger King.
The show followed the life of zookeeper and convicted felon Joe and became a pop culture sensation at the start of the coronavirus pandemic after premiering in March 2020.
34.3 million people over its first ten days of release, ranking as one of Netflix's most successful releases to date, as the majority of the world was confined to their homes during the very first lockdown.
The first season focused on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and Tiger King himself, Joe, who Carole accuses of abusing animals.
Despite being the main focus of the series, 58-year-old Joe is yet to see the critically acclaimed documentary that inspired millions of memes and jokes.
Speaking to Netflix from his jail cell, the imprisoned media personality revealed he loved his new-found fame, but wished he could experience it first-hand.
