As the national interest in Tiger King continues, John Finlay–the ex-husband of Joe Exotic–has opened up about their relationship.
Finlay met Exotic in 2003, not long after the former had graduated high school. They remained together 11 years before unofficially tying the knot in a 3-way relationship with Exotic’s other ex, Travis Maldonato. Finlay and Exotic split not long after when Finlay had an affair with a woman, whom became pregnant.
In an interview with Australian radio station KIIS FM, Finlay had some trouble discussing his relationship with Exotic.
“Let me warn you guys, it’s been a long time since we’ve interviewed someone that was hard work like this,” host Jackie O said of the interview. “Probably the hardest interview we’ve ever had to do … he wasn’t really understanding questions and not really wanting to answer questions that much.”
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Throughout the interview, Finlay often silent before delivering a short answer.
“You’ve gone from being someone who no one would recognize on the street,” Jackie asked at one point, “now a lot of people would recognize you, yet you probably can’t walk the streets (because of COVID-19)?”
Related: Dillon Passage shares all the dirty details on sex with ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic
Finlay said nothing for several seconds, prompting Jackie’s co-host, Kyle Sandilands, to ask “You alright, John? Did she stump you? Too hard that question?”
Finlay paused again, before answering: “I couldn’t really understand the question.”
Over the course of the 12-minute interview, Finlay also referred to himself as straight, noting that he is now married to a woman, and fumbled questions about his sex life with Exotic and Maldonato, Exotic’s arch-rival Carole Baskin, and his own drug use.
The interview ended with the hosts bursting into laugher as they hung up with Finlay.
Tiger King streams on Netflix. Have a listen to a time-condensed version of the interview:
WashDrySpin
So he was a self-uneducated boy that got involved with a man that had money and status for 11 years and now that the money is no longer there he is straight…makes perfect sense when you assign him the title of “gold digger”…
Now don’t get me wrong, get your money now that this series has sparked interest…this is America where you can make money on your back with someone and then make money by telling what you did while on your back…
ashleysguy43
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Rock-N-RollHS
Just another grifter in country full of them. He’ll be doing gay porn soon enough. Just get those damn meth teeth ‘effin fixed.
Brian
They’re fixed, he got dentures.
Chrisk
The interview was painful to listen to. Joe bought this guy trucks and RV’s and of coarse the drugs. John was a true gay for pay. Seriously doubt the guys been clean from Meth for 6 years.
WashDrySpin
Not even 6 days….
Donston
It is a bit ridiculous that folks still think attractions or sex are the most relevant things when it comes to love and relationships. That people still don’t get fluidity or understand the orientation spectrum. And we’re still so identity dependent and use identity as a social and ego shield.
Nonetheless, no matter where this guy is or was in the romantic, sexual, affection, emotional fulfillment, relationship contentment spectrum it is clear he’s a leech, a grifter, a bit of an idiot, deeply damaged and someone who was likely there primarily for money and drugs. And it’s becoming less easy for folks who are still defending Joe. The dude had some hardcore issues, even if you don’t fully believe the charges. It’s apparent that he surrounded himself with destitute people or addicts who he felt he could control with drugs, gifts and/or a place to stay.
JaredNorthcutt30
Ah. The self-importance bleatings of Donston. Sexuality is a spectrum, but not in my case or something. Tell us more, Sigmund Freud!
Brian
Don’t give him too much credit. I think this show is definitive proof of a new sexuality, methosexual. All 3 “husbands” were in it for the drugs. Look at who they were with, it certainly couldn’t have been sexual attraction.
Donston
Oh, Jaredisha. I’ve already discussed that I have contended with some degrees of gender and sexual fluidity throughout the years. And yes, my posts are “self important”. I prefer them that way. I’d rather be self-important than another bitchy, embittered idiot who doesn’t know anything about anything and can’t have discussions beyond the surface level.
Ultimately, you never really know what goes on in someone’s mind or the dimensions of their orientation or exactly why they do what they do. I also think it’s kinda rude to assume someone wouldn’t find Joe attractive. He’s not my type, but there’s plenty of guys out there that would be into him, especially when he was a bit younger. There are many “pretty” folks out here who enjoy the persistent sexual attentions, the affections, love of someone you personally wouldn’t view as attractive. But I already said that drugs, money and security were probably the biggest reasons, if not the only reasons, these dudes stayed with him.
Donston
There’s also not much wrong with being with someone primarily for money, security or (if you’re an addict) drugs. As long as you’re being real about why you’re there and being real about you’re dimensions I don’t see the problem. While there are many relationships that aren’t mostly driven by attractions or sex. Preferring relationships with someone, preferring to please someone, preferring someone’s love and commitment does not mean that you find them the most sexually attractive. You see “odd couples” everyday.
Yes, these dudes were likely there for money, drugs, gifts and a roof over their heads. I just don’t like how people can’t get out of their basic ways of perceiving others. A lot of folks barely have a clue why they do what they do or are the way that they are or why they want to be with whoever they want to be with. But they’re quick to offer decisive summations of someone else.
succubus
I’d rather not
Kangol2
Meth is the tether linking these husbands and the racist criminal Joe Exotic. Queerty seems to keep downplaying it for some reason, which is both disturbing and unethical. Is it because the show’s ratings ensure lots of clicks and commentary on here, which helps with advertisers? Is the next step going to be an article on the sex Joe Exotic has in prison, or who he wants to play him in the inevitable Hollywood biopic or TV movie, or some grooming tip he can impart while rotting behind bars?
Invader7
White trash America !! I’ll pass.. Se what drugs CAN do to people: MESS them up even more than they already were !!