When Savannah Chrisley heard the outrageous rumors swirling online that she somehow “slept her way” or paid money to secure a presidential pardon for her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, she knew she had to speak out.
The former reality star and daughter of Todd and Julie has been dealing with a flood of criticism ever since her parents were unexpectedly released from prison after more than two years behind bars.
The Chrisleys’ Legal Battle Finally Takes a Turn
Todd, 56, and Julie, 52, had been serving lengthy sentences for federal bank fraud and tax evasion after their 2022 conviction.
Julie was due to remain incarcerated until 2028, and Todd’s release date was set for 2032.
But then, in a surprising move, former President Donald Trump granted them clemency, sparking widespread debate and backlash.
Savannah was the first to learn of the pardon when Trump himself called her to deliver the news.
The call was even shared on social media, with Trump aide Margo Martin captioning it “Trump Knows Best,” a nod to the Chrisley family’s reality TV fame.
Savannah Opens Up About Her Tireless Fight
At a press conference on Friday, with her dad standing beside her, Savannah addressed the ugly accusations head-on.
She was clear and passionate as she denied any shady dealings to get the pardon.
“The biggest misconception right now is that I either paid for a pardon or slept for a pardon,” she said firmly.
“If people only knew the countless hours, money, and sheer grit I poured into this.
I went to Washington DC with no meetings lined up, just a plan to get into the right rooms and meet the right people.”
She went on, “I begged for meetings, I was exhausted, and I never thought I was too good to ask for help.
People assume because we’re white, famous, and have money that we had it easy — but that’s just not true.
I had to fight every step of the way, and I was relentless. That’s how this happened.”
Adjusting to Life Outside Prison Has Been Emotional
Since their release, Savannah has been by her parents’ side as they try to return to normal life.
“It’s been amazing, but surreal,” she said in an interview. “Sometimes we still can’t believe it.
We were joking last night if this is all real, and then I woke up to my mom walking into my room. It’s just crazy.”
Despite the whirlwind, Savannah shared hope for the future: “We’re so grateful and ready to get back to some kind of normal life, even if it’s a bit hectic right now. We’ll get there.”
New Look for Julie Chrisley After Prison
When Julie was spotted for the first time since her release, many noticed a big change — her hair.
Prison rules don’t allow hair dye, so her gray roots had grown out, mixed with faded brown tips.
Before prison, she was known for her perfectly dyed blond hair, so the transformation was striking.
Todd Chrisley Shows His Playful Side
Meanwhile, Todd was keeping spirits light, sharing a funny moment on Savannah’s Instagram as they tried to sneak out of a Nordstrom store unnoticed.
With a shopping bag over his head, Todd joked in a mock sinister tone, “You b****es are not paying your bills for me,” while trying to avoid being recognized.
Savannah held his hand to guide him safely to the parking garage elevator, saying, “He looks like he hasn’t aged a day.”
Todd joked it was the “BOP glow,” referencing the Bureau of Prisons.
He also teased about Julie being the smarter one now that she’s home and cracked jokes about the “poor people at Nordstrom” helping him “escape” the store — a funny nod to their recent freedom after nearly two and a half years apart.