John Finlay, a central figure in the explosive Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” recently offered a candid look into his life and experiences at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. Speaking to University of South Florida (USF) students in a virtual Q&A session, Finlay aimed to set the record straight about his portrayal in the series and share his personal journey beyond the sensationalized narrative.
Approximately 100 students, faculty, and staff joined the Zoom event, eager to hear firsthand from one of the key personalities of the cultural phenomenon that gripped millions. While the virtual format lacked the typical in-person energy, the enthusiastic chat box activity demonstrated the audience’s keen interest in Finlay’s perspective on the “Tiger King” saga. Hosted by USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Campus Activities Board, this Q&A provided a unique opportunity for students to delve deeper into the realities behind the larger-than-life characters depicted in the Netflix hit.
One of the most burning questions, unsurprising given the series’ focus, was about Carole Baskin and the disappearance of her former husband, Don Lewis. With the chat flooded with mentions of Baskin, Finlay addressed the speculation head-on. He acknowledged the documentary’s implication of Baskin’s involvement but emphasized the ongoing investigation and his lack of personal knowledge. “[The producers] made it look like [Baskin] actually did it and nobody knows who did it because the case has been reopened,” Finlay stated, maintaining a neutral stance and highlighting the open nature of the investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, which was indeed reignited following the series’ release. “I do not know Carol Baskin personally and I do not speak ill of people I don’t know,” he added, underscoring his commitment to factual statements and avoiding unfounded accusations.
John Finlay on Tiger King’s Portrayal: Drama vs. Reality
The initial portion of the Q&A, moderated by Sarasota-Manatee Governor-elect Joshua Ghansiam, focused on John Finlay’s time at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park and his subsequent appearance in “Tiger King.” Finlay revealed his initial understanding of the documentary’s direction, believing it would center more on the zoo and its animal inhabitants. However, the final product leaned heavily into drama, a departure from what he perceived as “the truth or real.” While acknowledging the authenticity of the feud between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, a conflict he was personally entangled in, Finlay felt the series amplified the sensational aspects beyond reality.
John Finlay speaking to USF students via Zoom about Tiger King and his life experiences
Finlay also expressed concerns about the limited opportunity for other individuals featured in the documentary to fully share their narratives. He felt the series lacked depth in exploring the backgrounds of various personalities, leading to potentially skewed perceptions. Specifically, he defended Mahamayavi Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, arguing against his “bad guy” portrayal. Addressing Antle’s depiction with multiple “wives,” Finlay clarified that these were “girlfriends,” based on Antle’s own statements about not remarrying. Finlay suggested a wealth of unreleased footage existed, questioning the decision to limit the series to a single season given the extensive five to six years of filming.
However, when it came to Joseph “Joe Exotic” Maldonado-Passage, John Finlay believed the portrayal was accurate. “They made Joe look how he actually is,” Finlay asserted, describing Maldonado-Passage as a “showman” driven by a desire for fame. He commented on Maldonado-Passage’s current imprisonment, stating, “He made his bed so that’s all I can really say about it,” suggesting a sense of justice served. Finlay disclosed limited contact with Maldonado-Passage since 2018, describing their relationship as “never the greatest” and affirming his belief that Maldonado-Passage’s 22-year sentence was justified. This sentencing stemmed from a murder-for-hire plot targeting Carole Baskin and wildlife violations, culminating in Maldonado-Passage’s arrest in 2018 and imprisonment in Fort Worth Federal Prison.
The “Publicity Stunt” Wedding and Personal Portrayal
Before the legal battles and controversies, “Tiger King” viewers witnessed the infamous polygamous wedding between Maldonado-Passage, Finlay, and Travis Maldonado. However, John Finlay revealed a surprising truth: the wedding was not legally binding. “It was actually a publicity stunt that [Maldonado-Passage] was trying to do for the reality show that he was wanting to have,” Finlay explained, demystifying the televised ceremony. He clarified that the rings were symbolic, “to show we had a claim to each other,” but lacked legal significance, a fact likely unknown to the millions who watched the series.
John Finlay also addressed his own depiction in “Tiger King,” particularly concerning his shirtless appearance, tattoos, and teeth. He refuted the “drugged-out hillbilly” label, stating he had been “four or five years clean [from drug use]” during filming. Finlay highlighted the selective editing, mentioning scenes where he had his new teeth, obtained in June 2019, yet these were omitted despite filming continuing until later that year. “There were some interviews I did when they were in and they chose not to show them, so that tells you the type of drama they were looking for,” Finlay remarked, suggesting a deliberate choice to emphasize a particular image. He further revealed that showcasing his 52 tattoos was a suggestion from the producers, framing it as “the ‘sex appeal type thing’ for the show,” indicating a curated presentation of his persona.
From Addiction to Advocacy: John Finlay’s Path Forward
Reflecting on his past struggles, John Finlay openly discussed his journey overcoming an eight-year methamphetamine addiction. He described a turning point when hallucinations and auditory disturbances prompted him to seek change. “You get to a point where you’re like, this isn’t me — I need something better,” Finlay shared, emphasizing a self-awareness that spurred his recovery. Now six years sober, Finlay embraces a “positive life,” driven by his experiences and a desire to help others.
The unexpected fame from “Tiger King” has provided John Finlay with a platform he intends to utilize for positive impact. He aspires to share his “real story” and become a motivational speaker, particularly focusing on youth outreach. “People need someone to show them that the world cares about them and that’s something I care about — helping others,” Finlay concluded, signaling a commitment to using his newfound visibility to inspire and support others navigating their own challenges. While uncertain about the future, John Finlay expressed optimism that “this ride is not over,” indicating his intention to continue public speaking and advocacy work.
