- Tiger King Joe Exotic has launched a Solana-based memecoin, $EXOTIC, to fund his legal expenses
- The token also aims to support charitable causes, including donations to Operation Smile
- Despite concerns about celebrity-backed cryptocurrencies, Exotic asserts the project’s legitimacy
Joe Exotic, the former zookeeper and star of the Netflix series Tiger King, has introduced a new cryptocurrency, $EXOTIC, built on the Solana blockchain. The initiative seeks to raise funds for Exotic’s ongoing legal battles and contribute to charitable organizations such as Operation Smile. Exotic, who is currently incarcerated on murder-for-hire and animal abuse charges, has emphasized the authenticity of the project, aiming to distinguish it from other celebrity-endorsed tokens that have faced criticism.
Prison Can’t Restrain The Tiger King
Exotic was jailed in 2019 for 21 years over charges relating to a murder-for-hire plot against his chief critic Carole Baskin as well as violation of wildlife laws and charges of abuse of the tigers in his care. The Tiger King has always protested his innocence and has been fighting his corner ever since the first allegations came to light, but it appears that money is getting tight: Exotic told Decrypt, “I’m knee-deep in lawyer bills,” hence the need to launch a memecoin.
$EXOTIC launched on Friday, and its proprietor seems all too aware of the dubious reputation of some celebrity-backed cryptocurrencies, noting, “I pray to God that they don’t rug it and ruin my reputation.” One look at the chart suggests that Exotic’s worst fears have come true:
Commitment to Charity
Beyond funding his defense, Exotic intends for a portion of the token’s proceeds to benefit charitable endeavors. He highlighted plans to support Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization providing cleft lip and palate surgeries for children worldwide. “People really need to invest in it,” Exotic urged, expressing his desire to “fix 500 kids’ [faces]” as well as pay his attorneys.
Despite the early volatility, Exotic remains optimistic about the token’s potential impact; he continues to seek a presidential pardon and views this initiative as a means to demonstrate his commitment to positive contributions. As the man himself told Decrypt, “You won’t find a more honest celebrity coin.”
Do with that what you will.
