Exclusive Interview: Todd and Julie Chrisley Open Up After Prison Release

After serving time in prison, former reality-TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley sat down with Fox News for an exclusive interview. The couple, known for their hit reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," had been released from prison following pardons granted by President Donald Trump.

A Troubling History of Scandals and Controversies

The Chrisleys' journey to prison began in 2020 when they were indicted on federal tax evasion charges. The couple, who have built a lucrative business empire through their reality show and various endorsement deals, was accused of failing to report income from their show and other business ventures.

In addition to the tax evasion charges, the Chrisleys were also facing allegations of bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax fraud related to a $76 million loan they took out in 2012. The couple claimed that they had been duped by a business partner who sold them a worthless investment scheme, but prosecutors alleged that they knew about the scheme's true nature.

A Pardoning by President Trump

In August 2021, Todd and Julie Chrisley were sentenced to prison for their roles in the federal tax evasion case. Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Julie received an 11-year sentence. The couple was also ordered to pay over $25 million in restitution.

However, just as it seemed like the Chrisleys' fortunes couldn't get any lower, President Trump stepped in and granted them pardons on January 20, 2021 – just hours before leaving office.

The Interview: A Glimpse into Life After Prison

In their exclusive interview with Fox News, Todd and Julie Chrisley opened up about their time in prison, their pardon, and what's next for the couple.

"We're just grateful to be home," Todd said in the interview. "We're grateful to be together as a family again."

Julie added, "It's been a tough road, but we're just taking it one day at a time. We're focusing on our health and wellness, and spending time with our loved ones."

Life After Prison: A New Beginning?

The Chrisleys' pardon has sparked both celebration and controversy among their fans and critics. While some see the pardon as a vindication of the couple's innocence, others believe that it highlights President Trump's questionable pardoning practices.

In the interview, Todd and Julie acknowledged that their time in prison had been difficult but also saw it as an opportunity for growth and reflection.

"Being in prison taught us a lot about ourselves and our relationship," Todd said. "We've learned to appreciate the little things and prioritize what truly matters."

Julie added, "It's funny, when we were in prison, people would come up to us and say, 'You know, I never realized how lucky you guys were.' And it was like, 'Yeah, we're pretty fortunate.'"

The Future: A New Reality Show?

Despite their pardon, the Chrisleys' reality show "Chrisley Knows Best" has been on hold since their imprisonment. However, in the interview, Todd and Julie hinted that a new season might be in the works.

"We're talking to our network about possibly getting back on the air," Todd said. "We're excited to share our journey with our fans again."

Julie added, "It's going to be different this time around. We've learned so much about ourselves and about life, and we can't wait to share that with our audience."

Conclusion

The Chrisleys' exclusive interview with Fox News marked a new chapter in their lives – one of hope, renewal, and redemption. After serving time in prison, the couple is looking forward to rebuilding their lives and sharing their journey with fans around the world.

As Todd and Julie said in their interview, "We're just grateful to be home." And it's clear that this time, they're determined to make the most of every day.