Netflix’s new docuseries Tiger King became an instant obsession with just about everyone sucked into the truly insane life of Joe Exotic. The wild story of murder, drugs, and big cats was absolutely riveting and people are desperate to know more about the man at the center.
Well, his latest husband, Dillon Passage, gave an interview to Andy Cohen on his SiriusXM radio show, Andy Cohen Live, and he revealed a lot. First things first, no, Joe was not actually singing in his music videos.
“I mean, he’s older. He has a more raspy voice. But…I mean, his [real] voice is actually pretty decent.”
Dillon also explained that he and Joe decided to tie the knot after just two weeks of knowing each other.
“Oh god, I think it was like, a little over two weeks?…We definitely jumped the gun, I can say that. But I’m not ashamed of it whatsoever.”
Obviously after so short a time, they didn’t know each other that well, and Dillon had no idea about the drugs that came through Joe’s zoo.
“I honestly knew nothing about drugs on the park. All I did really was stay in the house and take care of my baby animals. And then, just like, walk around the park…Joe never once encouraged me to do any drugs. I mean I smoked a lot of weed. But that’s literally it.”
Joe is currently serving a 22 year prison sentence, but that doesn’t stop him from talking to Dillon every day. However, he is currently in coronavirus isolation.
“We speak three to five times every day. But since he’s been moved to this new facility, they are putting him on a COVID-19 isolation because of the previous jail he was at, there were cases. So I have yet to speak to him since he’s been moved.”
Dillon also explained that he is still “very loyal” to Joe.
“I do — I do love Joe. He’s been there for me through my darkest times. I’m not just gonna dip out and abandon him when he needs me most.”
Dillon also revealed that he learned the details about Joe’s feud with Carole Baskin from watching Tiger King. He previously didn’t ask because he didn’t think it was appropriate.
“I even learned a lot of things that I didn’t know. Like, about Carole and Joe’s feud. Because I tried to stay out of his business. It wasn’t my place.”
He also maintains that Joe hasn’t abused any animals.
“Not once. I mean, if he really mistreated the animals, do you think he’d be able to walk into a cage with 10-plus cats at one time?”
Dillon continued, asserting that Joe was a “good guy,” despite the video evidence to the contrary.
“He’s a really good guy. And, um, you know, he may have made some sketchy decisions. And I know he regrets them. But his intentions are really good at heart. And he would do anything to help anybody in need.”
Dillon also shared that he believed that it was “a 100% true fact” that Jeff Lowe set up Joe with the “murder for hire” plot.
“I mean, I’m not gonna say much. But I know it’s not a ‘possible’ set-up. It’s a 100% true fact that he set him up. And he even said it on the show. He said, ‘Some people may call it setting up, I call it persuading.'”
Dillon also addressed the fan theory that Joe’s late husband Travis Maldonado, wasn’t actually gay.
“I never knew Travis, so I can’t speak about his life, personally. But from what I’ve heard, he didn’t necessarily need to be gay to have a connection with Joe. Joe saved his life, and he had a really strong connection with Joe. And he loved him.”
Dillon explained that Joe was unable to watch Tiger King in prison, but that he was loving all of the newfound fame. Ultimately, Dillon claims that he is still all in with Joe.
“That’s Joe’s biggest thing…He doesn’t want me to be alone. But he also doesn’t want me to move on, if that makes sense. He doesn’t want me to leave…But I have no intention on leaving.”
