Dillon Passage’s Shocking New Chapter: 5 Things He’s Doing Since Leaving Joe Exotic

Contents

Dillon Passage, the former husband of the infamous Joe Exotic, has decisively moved on from the chaotic, high-profile world of the G.W. Exotic Animal Park and the Netflix phenomenon, Tiger King. As of December 21, 2025, Passage has fully embraced his life as a public figure, focusing on his personal well-being, exploring new relationships, and building a digital personality that is entirely separate from the man currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.

The transition from a supporting role in a true-crime documentary to a standalone media personality has been challenging, but Dillon Passage has successfully navigated the intense scrutiny. His current life is marked by sobriety, international travel, and, most notably, a brand-new, public relationship, signaling a clear and final break from the drama that made him a household name.

Dillon Passage: Complete Biography & Profile

Dillon Passage rose to global prominence following the 2020 release of the Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. He was introduced as the much younger, fourth husband of Joseph "Joe Exotic" Maldonado-Passage. Their relationship, which began in 2017, became a central, albeit controversial, part of the documentary's narrative.

  • Full Name: Dillon Passage
  • Date of Birth: August 22, 1997
  • Place of Birth: Texas, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Education: Attended the University of Texas
  • Profession: Public Figure, Digital Personality, Social Media Influencer
  • Known For: His marriage to Joe Exotic and his appearance in the Netflix series Tiger King.
  • Marital Status: Estranged from Joe Exotic (divorce proceedings ongoing)
  • Current Partner: John (as of late 2025)
  • Net Worth Estimate (Contested): Between $20,110 and $700,000 (Source estimates vary widely)

The New Man: Dillon Passage Introduces ‘John’ to the World

The most significant and recent update in Dillon Passage’s life is his new relationship. In late 2025, Passage officially introduced his new boyfriend, named John, to his followers on Instagram. This announcement served as a definitive public statement about his post-Joe Exotic life and his forward momentum.

Passage shared a series of selfies and heartfelt captions, explaining that while he initially intended to keep his new love life private, John had quickly become his "rock" and a vital part of his happiness. This relationship marks a stark contrast to the highly publicized and often volatile marriage to Joe Exotic, which began in 2017 just two months after the death of Joe's previous husband, Travis Maldonado.

While Dillon Passage and Joe Exotic are still legally married, Joe Exotic filed for divorce in March 2021, and the proceedings have been complicated by Joe’s incarceration. Dillon’s public relationship with John signals that he is not waiting for the legal entanglements to resolve before fully committing to his own future. He continues to live his life while Joe Exotic serves his 22-year federal prison sentence for a murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin and animal abuse charges.

Navigating Sobriety and Personal Well-being After the Cameras

Life in the spotlight, especially one as intense as the *Tiger King* universe, took a toll on Dillon Passage. In interviews, he has been candid about his personal struggles, revealing that he dealt with addiction issues, specifically involving prescription pills like Xanax, during the early days of his relationship with Joe Exotic.

Passage has credited his time with Joe for helping him initially get sober and find focus. However, his post-fame journey has been a testament to his own resilience and commitment to a healthier lifestyle. He has spoken openly about prioritizing his mental health and maintaining his sobriety, a crucial part of his new chapter. This focus on personal well-being is a key theme in his content as a digital personality, resonating with his followers who have watched him mature since the documentary's release.

His new life involves travel and exploration, including a notable trip to Belize, which he documented and discussed in detail. These activities highlight a desire for a normal, stable existence away from the chaos of the Oklahoma zoo and the legal battles of his estranged husband.

The Contested Net Worth and Post-Fame Earnings

One of the most debated aspects of Dillon Passage's life after Tiger King is his true financial standing. As a public figure, his net worth has been subject to intense speculation, with figures ranging dramatically.

The Financial Discrepancy

  • Low Estimate: During the divorce proceedings, court documents reportedly indicated a very low net worth for Dillon, potentially around $20,110, which included a significant amount of student loans.
  • High Estimate: Conversely, Joe Exotic's legal team, led by attorney Francisco Hernandez, has argued that Dillon Passage made a significant amount of money—potentially up to $1 million—from his involvement with the *Tiger King* docuseries, appearances, and subsequent fame.
  • Reality: The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. As a digital personality, Dillon Passage earns revenue through social media platforms like Instagram, endorsement deals, and media appearances, such as interviews on shows like *Variety Live* and *Access All Areas* on FUBAR Radio. His career is now focused on leveraging his fame into a sustainable income stream as an influencer, a common path for reality TV stars.

The financial battle, including disputes over a prenuptial agreement (prenup) and assets, remains a complicated aspect of his ongoing separation from Joe Maldonado-Passage. The highly public nature of the divorce, which is being handled by attorneys representing both sides, ensures that this topic will continue to generate headlines until a final settlement is reached.

Dillon Passage’s Role in the *Tiger King* Legacy and Future Projects

Despite his best efforts to separate himself, Dillon Passage remains an important entity in the continuing *Tiger King* narrative. The documentary’s success—which garnered nominations for multiple Primetime Emmys—catapulted everyone involved into a permanent pop culture spotlight.

Dillon's unique perspective—as the last husband of Joe Exotic to see him before his sentencing—makes him a valuable source for follow-up stories and interviews. He has consistently maintained that he will "always love and support" Joe, even while moving on with his own life. This complex, supportive-yet-separate stance has allowed him to remain relevant without being dragged back into the zoo's legal and criminal drama involving figures like Jeff Lowe and Carole Baskin.

His future is clearly focused on his life as a digital creator and public speaker. By sharing his journey of sobriety, his travel experiences, and his new, healthy relationship with John, Dillon Passage is successfully rebranding himself from "Joe Exotic's husband" to a resilient public figure who is charting his own course, independent of the *Tiger King* saga. His story is a compelling example of moving forward after intense, unexpected celebrity.

Dillon Passage’s Shocking New Chapter: 5 Things He’s Doing Since Leaving Joe Exotic
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