Joe Exotic's Ex Boyfriend 'Moved On' after his prison release, ending his engagement
"He has nothing negative to say about John Graham and wishes him the best as he rebuilds his life," an attorney representing Joe Exotic said in a statement to PEOPLE.
Joe Exotic, alias Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is no longer engaged.
The Tiger King star's attorney confirmed to PEOPLE on Thursday that he and fiancé John Graham are no longer together. The twosome met while doing time in jail together, but Graham has "moved on" after his release.
"Joe has told me that jail is a difficult place to be, and that it is even more difficult when you are innocent. He claims that in jail, you encounter all types of individuals, the most of them are genuinely nice "his lawyer claims "Joe would want to believe that they did fall in love despite the fact that John Graham spent ten years of his life in jail. He has, however, moved on now that he has returned home."
His lawyer went on, "Joe will maintain close contact with his son and some members of John's family. He has nothing negative to say about John Graham and wishes him well as he rebuilds his life."
According to Joe's spokesperson, "a very special individual" has "returned to his life to start up where [they] left off." Joe is also looking forward to the future: "He 'simply wants to be happy and for God's sake, to go home!"
TMZ was the first to disclose the news of the separation.
Celebrity Couples Who Split in 2022 Joe's attorney's statement concluded by noting how his legal team is "very busy with his criminal appeal," as he serves time for allegedly orchestrating a plot to murder his nemesis, Carole Baskin. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison in January 2020, but was reduced to 21 years earlier this year.
Joe's husband Dillon Passage announced their divorce after four years of marriage one year after his original incarceration. Joe, who suffers from prostate cancer, subsequently filed for divorce in March.
Joe's legal team also told PEOPLE on Thursday that they're "making gradual but steady work" toward finalizing the divorce.
"We have yet to get the information requested in our subpoenas to confirm existing marital assets that Joe may be unaware of," his attorney said. "However, we're making progress."
Joe and John confirmed their engagement on April 1. Joe described the relationship in a letter acquired by PEOPLE, saying, "If you have saw Twilight, it's as close as that." Joe also stated that the affair began with a "quick infatuation" when they "shared the same unit."
"John speaks like he's from 400 years ago," he went on.
"He is a practicing witch who is passionate and kind. The affection we share is unlike any I've ever known."