In one in all their first interview since being launched from federal jail, actuality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley spoke out about their expertise behind bars and their controversial presidential pardon.
The previous “Chrisley Is aware of Finest” stars had been freed about one month in the past after serving simply over two years of their sentences for financial institution fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion. They had been initially sentenced to 12 and 7 years respectively, however obtained a pardon from President Donald Trump in Could.
“You do not notice how a lot your freedom means to you till you do not have it,” Todd Chrisley advised ABC Information’ Juju Chang.
ABC Information Studios’ “IMPACT x Nightline: The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup” is streaming on Hulu.
The couple revealed that their first post-prison meals had been from Pizza Hut and Zaxby’s. As for the primary bathe again in their very own residence?
“It was virtually like your first sexual encounter,” Todd joked.
Chrisleys reveal jail situations and future plans after controversial Trump pardon.
ABC Information
The couple described troublesome situations in jail, with Todd reporting problems with black mould and asbestos at his facility in Florida. Julie, who was held in Kentucky, mentioned she developed well being issues together with bronchial asthma.
“I may see my well being deteriorating,” Julie advised ABC Information.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons responded to the Chrisleys’ claims about jail situations, stating they function “amenities which might be secure, safe, and humane” with regulated temperatures and nutritionally ample meals.
Their daughter Savannah Chrisley, 26, emerged as their strongest advocate, campaigning for his or her launch whereas additionally changing into authorized guardian to her youthful brother Grayson and niece Chloe.
“I compelled myself into rooms I used to be by no means invited into. I educated myself,” Savannah advised ABC Information of her efforts to safe her mother and father’ freedom.
The pardon got here after Savannah, a vocal Trump supporter, spoke on the 2024 Republican Nationwide Conference. She obtained a private name from the president informing her of his determination to pardon her mother and father.
Critics questioned whether or not the Chrisleys deserved the pardon, noting that each a jury convicted them and an appeals courtroom upheld the conviction. Todd defended their pardon, questioning the make-up of their jury and evaluating their case to different presidential pardons.
Regardless of their time in jail, the Chrisleys mentioned they continue to be unapologetic about their life-style.
“I haven’t got an apology to offer you or anybody else over the cash that I’ve made,” Todd mentioned.
The couple mentioned they’re now targeted on jail reform, impressed by the individuals they encountered whereas incarcerated.
“I’ve met some superb ladies. I’ve met some ladies that I will likely be pals with until the day that I die,” Julie mentioned.
Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley attend the grand opening of E3 Chophouse Nashville, Nov. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn.
Danielle Del Valle/Getty Photos
“Chrisley Is aware of Finest” aired on USA Community from 2014 to 2023, filming largely in Georgia and Tennessee. The household plans to return to tv with a brand new present on the Lifetime community. Todd and Julie mentioned they’re contemplating relocating to Charleston, South Carolina, the place they hope to transform a mansion right into a lodge — with cameras rolling.
“I’ve all the time advised my kids that it would not matter what another person’s opinion is of you except it causes you to query who you’re at your core,” Todd mentioned. “Nobody’s opinion of me has ever precipitated me to query who I’m on the core, so I do not fear about another person’s opinion.”
ABC Information’ Karin Weinberg, Anthony McMahon and Deborah Kim contributed to this report.
