The program originally focuses on their rivalry and eccentric lifestyles and friends, but quickly shifts to Joe Exotic's federal trial. He found himself accused of planning a murder-for-hire of Baskin and of animal abuse. Exotic was found guilty towards the end of the series and was sentenced last years to 22 years in federal prison.
Personally, I think he was set up. I don't think that he was innocent. I just don't believe that he actually arranged the murder-for-hire contract. I believe that others orchestrated that accusation and his drug-addled hubris allowed him to fall into the trap. That said, I do believe that he struggled to adequately care for his wild cats and other zoo animals and that he mistreated them.
On that note, President Donald Trump was recently asked by a New York Post reporter about whether he would pardon Maldonado-Passage:
Reporter: Your son yesterday jokingly said that, you know, he was going to advocate for it (Joe Exotic's pardon) and I was wondering if you have any thoughts on pardoning Joe Exotic?Honestly, I wouldn't put it past the president to pardon Maldonado-Passage. He appeals to a demographic that supports President Trump and I could see him issuing a pardon at some point when a something silly would be needed to distract the media from something more sinister.
President Trump: Which son? It must be Don.
Reporter: It was.
President Trump: I had a feeling it was Don. Is that what he said? I don't know. I know nothing about... He has 22 years for what? What did he do?
Reporter: He allegedly hired someone to murder an animal rights activist but he said that he didn't do that.
President Trump: Do you think he didn't do it? Are you on his side?
Reporter: Well, I'm a reporter. I shouldn't take sides.
President Trump: Are you recommending a pardon?
Reporter: No, I'm not advocating anything.
President Trump: As a reporter, you're not allowed to do that. You'd be criticized by these... I'll take a look.
For now, Joe Exotic remains in federal prison.