Joe Exotic And Husband Dillon Passage File For Divorce

According to reports, the 58-year-old former animal trainer found out his relationship with 25-year-old Passage was over via a phone call in prison, where he is serving a 22-year sentence for plotting to murder Carole Baskin.

Confirming the news on Instagram, Dillon wrote: "In November of 2017 I met Joe who was there for me during a difficult time in my life.

"After just 9 short months he was arrested and, for the last two and a half years, we have been apart. I've always stood by his side and will continue to always love and support him.

"When Tiger King was released on Netflix a year ago, my life was thrown into a world of media and public attention. Something that was completely foreign to me.

"I felt as if I had a microscope constantly looming over me which was and still is incredibly uncomfortable."

He went on to add: "I don't feel obligated to explain to the world what occurs in my personal life and, despite Joe taking to social media to air every grievance, I don't feel it's the healthiest way to handle private matters between two people.

"I therefore don't intend to post any more on this subject.

"To answer the main question the public wants to know, yes, Joe and I are seeking a divorce.

"This wasn't an easy decision to make but Joe and I both understand that this situation isn't fair to either of us.

"It's something that neither of us were expecting but we are going to take it day by day. We are on good terms still and I hope it can stay that way.

"I will continue to have Joe in my life and do my best to support him while he undergoes further legal battles to better his situation."

Lawyer John M. Phillips, who is reviewing options regarding separation and divorce, also took to Instagram to say: "We have no comment at this time and request privacy."

He continued: "Joe is simultaneously dealing with medical issues, civil rights violations and the appeal of his conviction.

"The world has come to know Joe Exotic as the bigger than life 'Tiger King,' but right now he is dealing with the very real hardships and injustices within our criminal justice systems and how it destroys all things a person on the outside holds dear."