Isn’t it nice to know that people who do bad things but have money can get off the hook with a snap of the fingers? Sadly it’s happening more often these days than we would probably like to admit. On May 27, 2025, POTUS pardoned Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley. The current administration is playing fast and loose with democracy and justice, leaving us little people to wonder if any of these white collar bad doers learned about right from wrong all those years ago in Kindergarten.
Why did Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley go to prison?
The patriarch was looking at a 12-year prison sentence while his wife was serving seven years behind bars. Todd has only served two out of his decade sentence and first reported to jail in January 2023. The couple had been dealing with legal issues since 2017 after Georgia first investigated them for not paying their income tax. Things got a lot worse for the couple in 2019. The federal government accused Todd and Julie of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. In the end, the federal charges is what convicted both of them.
According to court documents via People, prosecutors allege that they “hid their reality TV income from the IRS through their production company, 7C’s Productions, and evaded nearly $2 million in state taxes from 2008 to 2016.” The Georgia Department of Revenue dropped the charges against the couple in 2019.
The justice system for A,B,C, or D listers is a joke
In 2025, the Chrisley’s lawyer noted, “They believe that the president will seriously consider pardoning both Julie and Todd as a result of the unfair treatment they received in the criminal justice system.” Upon the news of their release, the President called the couple’s daughter. He told them, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean. I don’t know them, but give them my regards and wish them good luck.” He added, “Your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow. They were given a pretty harsh treatment, based on what I’m hearing, pretty harsh treatment.”
To add insult to injury, the White House spokesperson noted, “[Trump is] always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system.” Personally, it feels like a slap in the face to call this couple “well-deserving” people. Most Americans are terrified to dot an “I” wrong on their taxes, but the Chrisleys had total disregard for the system and somehow were rewarded for their efforts. But I guess that is the new American Dream.
Reality TV stars aren’t paying the price
The Chrisleys aren’t the only reality TV stars to skirt the law. Jen Shah is serving time for a telemarketing scheme. HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh claimed that Jen “built their opulent lifestyle at the expense of vulnerable, often elderly, working-class people.” The special agent added, “Shah and Smith objectified their very real human victims as ‘leads’ to be bought and sold, offering their personal information for sale to other members of their fraud ring.” However, she has had her sentence reduced multiple times. And is looking to come home in 2026. Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas are also dealing with multiple tax liens. Not to mention Mike Sorrentino and Ray Huger also make the list.
In total, 31 reality TV stars are currently dealing with IRS issues. Yet, most won’t be prosecuted or let off the hook by the President. Personally, I’m tired of hearing the constant excuses about pay cycles being unreliable. Or being rich creates a poverty identity. I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the lack of accountability. Being on reality TV or TV in general is a privilege, not a right. Paying your taxes isn’t an option. Personally, I’m exhausted and have decided to take a stand. Those stars who find themselves too big for the IRS won’t be getting any further views from me. It’s simple: if you commit a crime, you should do the time.
Chrisley Knows Best is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHRISLEY’S BEING PARDONED?
