Joseph Maldonado, otherwise known as Joe Exotic on the Netflix series “Tiger King,” is revealing some personal details about his health.
The 58-year-old shared that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
In a letter he wrote, provided to CNN, Maldonado told his fans that he was fighting the disease.
“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. I am still waiting on the results from other test as well,” he wrote in a letter. “Right now, I don’t want anyone’s pity,” he added.
His attorney, John M. Phillips, confirmed that the former zookeeper had undergone multiple tests and medical treatment.
“The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. It was high. He finally obtained biopsies. They revealed cancer. Medical care is different in a prison environment and fewer options are available,” Phillips said.
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Maldonado, the former owner of Greater Wynewood Exotic Animal Park, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for his role in the murder-for-hire plot against enemy Carole Baskin, among other charges associated with animal cruelty.
Last week, Netflix dropped the trailer for the new sequel series “Tiger King 2.”
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In the clip, Exotic and rival Carole Baskin return for another 15 minutes of fame. The 5-episode series teases Exotic’s calls from prison and the drama surrounding Baskin’s missing ex-husband, Donald Lewis.
“With Joe Exotic behind bars and Carole Baskin closing in on ownership of his disreputable zoo, the Emmy-nominated saga continues its twisted course with Tiger King 2 as newfound revelations emerge on the motivations, backstories, and secrets of America’s most notorious big cat owners,” reads the show’s description.
“Old enemies and frenemies, including Jeff Lowe, Tim Stark, Allen Glover, and James Garretson return for another season of murder, mayhem, and madness. Thought you knew the whole story? Just you wait.”
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“Tiger King 2” will start streaming on November 17 on Netflix.
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