Todd and Julie Chrisley made their first public appearance in Nashville after being granted presidential pardons by Donald Trump, ending their federal prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion. At a packed press conference, Todd Chrisley thanked Trump, his legal team, and supporters, while maintaining his innocence and criticizing the justice system that convicted him.
The couple, known for their reality show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks of over $30 million and evading taxes, resulting in a combined 19-year sentence. Both were released last week after serving just over two years. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, played a leading role in lobbying for their release, emphasizing her relentless advocacy rather than the family’s celebrity status as the key factor in securing the pardons.
During the event, Todd addressed the disparities he witnessed in prison, highlighting unequal treatment of Black inmates and vowing to advocate for broader criminal justice reform. He stated, “Even though this pardon has happened, I still was convicted of something that I did not do… shame is like a cancer that just spreads, and I have no shame.”.
The Chrisleys are set to return to television with a new Lifetime series chronicling their legal battles and family life post-release. As the family reunites in Nashville, questions remain about the impact of fame and politics on their case—and what comes next for the Chrisley legacy.
