Todd and Julie Chrisley Speak Out: “Prison Changed Us, But We’re Still Innocent”

Once the stars of Chrisley Knows Best, Todd and Julie Chrisley are breaking their silence after walking free from federal prison — and they’re not holding back.

In an exclusive interview on Good Morning America, the couple opened up about their emotional time behind bars, their controversial presidential pardon, and how they’re adjusting to life on the outside. Despite serving time for bank fraud and tax evasion, both Chrisleys continue to insist they are completely innocent.

“I cried myself to sleep and said, ‘God, why are you allowing this?’” Todd admitted. “I was angry at God.”

From Lavish Luxury to Life Behind Bars

Known for their extravagant lifestyle and flashy family dynamics, the Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 on 12 counts including wire fraud and tax evasion, accused of swindling $30 million from banks between 2007 and 2012. Todd received a 12-year sentence, while Julie was sentenced to seven.

But everything changed when they were granted a presidential pardon — a decision that sparked both relief and controversy.

“Some people say we didn’t serve our time,” Todd said. “But I didn’t see any multimillionaires or film industry people in that jury box. I saw a heavily Democratic county.”

Newfound Faith and Reflection

Julie, who says she kept herself occupied in prison by reading over 100 books and even driving a forklift, described the emotional toll of incarceration — but also the spiritual growth it brought.

“I read a lot of Maya Angelou,” she said. “That was very helpful.”

Meanwhile, Todd remained defiant: “I’m not giving you free labor. I’m here to do time, not your chores.”

Still, their first moments of freedom were emotional and deeply personal. Reuniting with their children, sharing dinner at Pizza Hut and Zaxby’s, and finally sleeping in their own bed again was “heaven,” Julie said.

Life After Lockup – And Back in the Spotlight

One of Todd’s first public outings — a shopping trip to Nordstrom — ended in paparazzi chaos.

“I look up and here comes press with long lens cameras running down the middle of the mall,” Todd recounted. “I just said, take the picture and release it. Make them leave us alone. Well, it wasn’t enough.”

The Chrisleys say they’re now focused on rebuilding their lives and advocating for prison reform, moved by the fellow inmates they met during their time inside.

“A month ago, I was dreading a summer in prison without air conditioning,” Todd reflected. “And now here I am, home.”

No Regrets, No Apologies

Despite everything, the Chrisleys maintain their innocence — and reject the idea that they need redemption.

“Accepting a pardon usually means accepting guilt,” Juju Chang noted. “But they’re not taking any responsibility at all.”

“I asked them what redemption means,” she added. “They said, ‘We don’t have anything to be redeemed for.’”

Love them or hate them, the Chrisleys are back — and they’re as defiant as ever.