Joe Exotic placed in solitary confinement due to social media posts

Joe Exotic is back in lockdown and this time it’s because of posts on social media… TMZ has learned.

The ‘Tiger King’ star’s lawyer, Peter Ticktintells TMZ… Joe has been placed in the special housing unit of his federal prison in Texas since last week. According to Ticktin, Joe was disciplined after social media posts were shared online in his name… although it’s unclear if a specific post sparked the move or if it was an accumulation.

As Ticktin says… “The prison decided they didn’t like his messages.”

Joe is currently being held in solitary confinement and while his legal team hopes he will be released within 15 days, there are no guarantees and inmates are not always informed of their release. Ticktin says he hasn’t been able to speak with Joe since he was transferred to SHU.

Despite the setback, Joe’s camp continues to press on the legal front. Ticktin doubled down on claims the conviction was false, telling us it was based on lies and alleging a key witness Allen Glover committed perjury.

Ticktin adds… “There are a lot of innocent people in the prison system who shouldn’t be there. I say when the shoe fits… but that’s not the case at all in this case.”

As for Joe’s bid for freedom… a presidential pardon — his lawyer says they remain optimistic. Ticktin tells us they’re still hopeful, noting that all the paperwork has been submitted, but like most things in the system, it’s a waiting game.