Sun Jun 29 22:00:00 UTC 2025: **Chrisleys Advocate for Prison Reform After Controversial Pardon and Prison Stint**
Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, fresh from serving over two years in federal prison for financial crimes, are speaking out about their experience and advocating for prison reform. In their first major interview since being released last month, the former “Chrisley Knows Best” stars described harsh conditions behind bars and defended their controversial presidential pardon granted by Donald Trump in May.
The couple, originally sentenced to 12 and seven years respectively for bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion, maintained their innocence and questioned the legitimacy of their conviction. “You don’t realize how much your freedom means to you until you don’t have it,” Todd Chrisley told ABC News.
Julie described deteriorating health, including developing asthma, while incarcerated in Kentucky. Todd cited issues with black mold and asbestos at his Florida facility. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, however, responded by stating their facilities are safe, secure, and humane.
Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, 26, spearheaded the campaign for their release, even speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention. She reportedly received a personal call from President Trump informing her of the pardon.
Critics have questioned the Chrisleys’ pardon, citing their jury conviction and upheld appeal. Todd defended it, comparing their case to other presidential pardons and criticizing the jury composition.
Despite their legal troubles, the Chrisleys remain unapologetic about their lifestyle, with Todd stating, “I don’t have an apology to give you or anyone else over the money that I’ve made.”
The couple now plans to focus on prison reform, inspired by their interactions with fellow inmates. “I have met some amazing women. I’ve met some women that I will be friends with till the day that I die,” Julie stated.
The Chrisleys are set to return to television with a new show on the Lifetime network and are considering relocating to Charleston, South Carolina, to convert a mansion into a hotel, all while filming.
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