Joe Exotic just got a gut punch behind bars … his husband Dillon Passage says he wants out of the relationship and divorce is now on the table.
The ‘Tiger King’ star’s attorney, Francisco Hernandez, tells TMZ … Joe is distraught after getting a phone call in prison from Dillon saying he’s planning to leave him.
We’re told Joe felt like his stomach got pulled out of his body when Dillon broke the news — and now we’re told Exotic’s considering beating him to court, and filing a divorce petition before Dillon can.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Dillon says the split wasn’t an easy decision — but adds he’ll continue to support Joe while he’s in prison. He says they are still on good terms and hopes it stays that way … although it doesn’t sound like Joe would second that emotion.
As you know … Joe and Dillon got hitched back on Dec. 11, 2017, tying the knot 2 months after Joe’s previous husband, Travis Maldonado, shot himself in a fatal accident.
We’ve learned that after the emotional phone call, Joe fired off an email to a friend … saying he feels abandoned and alone and just wanted to mean something to someone. The way Joe explained it, Dillon’s getting lonely with Joe locked up and wants a boyfriend.
We’re told Joe is undecided on whether he’ll file for divorce — he’s got a lot on his plate just trying to gain his freedom — but of course, Dillon could pull the trigger first.
Stay tuned …