Newest Update!!! Why Julie Chrisley Blew Off Todd & Savannah’s 1st Press Conference Post-Prison Release
The Chrisley family has been at the center of reality TV drama and public fascination for over a decade, but few moments in the family saga have been as emotionally charged
as the first press conference following Todd and Julie Chrisley’s release from federal prison. While Todd and daughter Savannah bravely faced the cameras, one glaring absence dominated
the conversation: Julie Chrisley. Her decision to stay behind the scenes left fans speculating and curious, but the story behind her absence paints a deeper, more personal portrait of resilience, family loyalty, and private healing.
Todd Chrisley Breaks His Silence
On Friday, May 30th, Todd Chrisley, 55, stepped into the public spotlight in Nashville for the first time since his pardon and release, flanked by Savannah Chrisley, 27. The father-daughter duo addressed reporters with a mixture of relief, gratitude, and emotional gravity. Todd opened by giving thanks to God and praising Savannah for her tireless advocacy throughout the family’s ordeal. “She has fought a long fight, and for any parent to see their child fight this hard, it’s a double-edged sword. I will always be grateful to you, Savannah, from the bottom of my heart,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of two grueling years apart from his family.
Todd also reaffirmed his innocence, insisting he was wrongfully convicted of crimes he did not commit. “I would have remorse if it was something that I did,” he told reporters, stressing that the convictions were a miscarriage of justice, a sentiment echoed repeatedly by their legal team.
The Trump Pardon and Family Triumph
The Chrisleys’ release was made possible by a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, delivered after months of petitions and advocacy, particularly from Savannah. In a phone call with Savannah on May 27th, Trump told her, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean… Congratulations to your parents.” The moment marked a turning point for the family, who had been serving combined sentences of 19 years for bank fraud, tax evasion, and related charges. Todd had been sentenced to 12 years, while Julie received seven, though both sentences were later reduced slightly.
Throughout this period, Savannah emerged as the family’s public face, tirelessly advocating for their freedom, organizing petitions, and confronting media narratives that painted the family as guilty or morally corrupt. She credited criminal justice reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson and family attorney Alex Little for their unwavering support in navigating the complex legal landscape.
The Press Conference and Julie’s Absence
Despite the family’s collective victory, the first press conference following their release was marked by Julie’s conspicuous absence. As Todd fielded questions from reporters, curiosity quickly turned into concern. “Where’s Julie?” a voice from the back of the room asked, breaking the polite hum of the crowd. Todd’s response was measured, honest, and revealing:
“My wife,” he began, pausing, “is taking time for herself. She’s focusing on her health, her faith, and her peace. She asked me to tell y’all she’ll speak when she’s ready, and when that moment comes, it’ll be on her terms.”
The answer was far from evasive; rather, it reflected a woman who had endured immense pressure and chosen to prioritize her own healing before reentering the public eye.
Julie’s Private Struggles
Sources close to the Chrisleys indicate that Julie’s absence was not due to fear or shame but a necessary period of reflection and recovery. During her time at FMC Lexington, Julie developed a reputation for strength and spiritual guidance, leading Bible studies and mentoring fellow inmates. Yet the time in prison also took a toll on her health and well-being, leaving her mentally and emotionally exhausted.