Latest news with #ChrisleyKnowsBest
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trump answers whether he would pardon Diddy
The Brief During a White House event celebrating Elon Musk, President Donald Trump was asked if he would consider pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs amid the hip-hop mogul's ongoing sex trafficking case. He noted he hasn't followed the case closely and hasn't spoken to Diddy in years, adding that their relationship cooled after he entered politics. Trump and Diddy have crossed paths over the years at many prestigious and high-profile events, even sharing a box with wives, Melania Trump and Kim Porter, at the 1997 US Open. NEW YORK - During a White House event celebrating Elon Musk, President Donald Trump was asked if he would consider pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs amid the hip hop mogul's ongoing sex trafficking case. Trump said no one has formally requested a pardon but acknowledged that "people are thinking about it." The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has already cemented itself in pop culture history with its dramatic revelations and high-profile testimonies. Pardoning Diddy would be a monumental move, given the scale of the allegations and the intense public attention surrounding the case. Trump and Diddy have crossed paths over the years at prestigious and high-profile events, including the 2005 Art for Life Gala honoring Diddy at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Feb.6, 2008 Gucci and Madonna benefit for Raising Malawi and UNICEF at the United Nations in New York City, where they were both photographed with Melania Trump. Trump and Diddy have crossed paths over the years at many prestigious, high-profile events like the 1997 US Open with wife, Melania, and partner, Kim Porter. Trump noted he hasn't followed the case closely and hasn't spoken to Diddy in years, adding that their relationship cooled after he entered politics. Trump emphasized that any decision would be based on the facts and not on popularity. The U.S. Constitution gives the president the power to pardon people for federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment. A pardon is legal forgiveness as it ends punishment and restores rights like voting or running for office. While this power is broad, it only applies to federal crimes, not state offenses. A president can pardon someone before they are convicted of a crime. This is known as a preemptive pardon and has precedent in U.S. history. Former President Joe Biden pre-emptively pardoned several family members, including his brothers James and Frank Biden, and sister Valerie Biden Owens. One of the most famous examples is President Gerald Ford's 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon, which came before Nixon was formally charged or convicted of any crimes related to the Watergate scandal. However, the pardon still only applies to federal crimes, not state-level charges. Big picture view Trump pardoned several people including Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their show "Chrisley Knows Best," former Connecticut governor John G. Rowland, Kentrell Gaulden (known as rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again), Kevin Eric Baisden, John Moore, former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, James Callahan, former Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins, and Tanner Mansell. Federal prosecutors have charged Diddy with a series of crimes including: Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy. Count One charges that, from at least in or about 2004 through in or about 2024, the defendant participated in a racketeering conspiracy during which he agreed with other employees and associates of his businesses to commit kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Count 2: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion. Count Two charges the defendant with sex trafficking an adult female victim through force, fraud, and coercion between ~2009 and ~2018. Count 3: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution. Count Three charges the defendant with transporting that female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between ~2009 and ~2018. Count 4: Sex trafficking. Count Four charges the defendant with sex trafficking a second adult female victim through force, fraud, and coercion between ~2021 and ~2024. Count 5: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution. Count Five charges the defendant with transporting that second female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between ~2021 and ~2024. He also faces more than 60 lawsuits from alleged victims. If convicted, the 55-year-old Diddy could face 15 years to life in prison. In documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Diddy's defense team admitted the disgraced rapper committed "domestic violence" against a partner. Diddy's strategy seems to be to "admit to what is a lesser, state crime to avoid federal prison." Diddy was arrested in Oct. 2024 at the Park Hyatt New York in Midtown Manhattan. He's been in jail ever since. The trial, which began Monday, May 12, with opening statements, is expected to last eight weeks.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Todd Chrisley opens up about life in prison, denies feeling remorse after Trump pardon
Todd Chrisley opens up about life in prison, denies feeling remorse after Trump pardon Show Caption Hide Caption Trump pardons reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley President Trump called Savannah Chrisley from the Oval Office in the White House to tell her he wanted to pardon her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley. Todd Chrisley spoke publicly for the first time after his release from prison following Pres. Donald Trump's full pardon. "I want to thank President Trump," Todd Chrisley said during a May 30 press conference with his middle daughter Savannah Chrisley, 27, at a Nashville hotel. They were joined by attorneys Alex Little and Zack Lawson. When Savannah took the podium, she announced the "Chrisley Knows Best" stars will be returning to reality television. Filming has already begun on a new show that will document the reunification of Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley. "It's honestly felt like a dream to have them at home," Savannah said. Todd and Julie Chrisley had their prison sentences commuted by Trump on May 28, and they were released from their respective federal prisons hours later. They were each serving time for bank fraud and tax evasion. When asked if the family plans to stay in Nashville, Todd Chrisley did not commit. "Nashville will always have a special place in our heart, but we have other plans," he said. Julie was not at the news conference because she was at home with daughter Chole Chrisley, Todd said. "Julie and I have been together for over 30 years, and she is my best friend," he added. The sprawling reality TV family: See where the 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars are now 'Nothing to do other than to read and to work out' Todd Chrisley had been imprisoned at FPC Pensacola in Florida, while Julie Chrisley was incarcerated in Kentucky at FMC Lexington. Todd Chrisley said he'd maintained a fitness regimen and joked about his Bureau of Prisons "glow," saying, "Maybe it's all the residual Botox that never wore off." He said he also grew in his faith while behind bars. "I have nothing to do other than to read and to work out," he said. "And so I worked out every morning at 10:45 a.m. until 12 with my buddies there, and I read and my walk with Christ became deeper." Todd Chrisley denies having 'remorse' Todd took the opportunity to maintain his innocence, saying, "I'd have remorse if it was something that I did." When asked what Todd Chrisley would say to people who think he and his wife were only pardoned because of their status, he said he could understand it. "I understand that that's not something that you can look at and say, well, that had nothing to do with it," he said. "I don't know if it did, because I wasn't involved in the if that's the case, I don't know how to address the fact that if it is the case, but I'm grateful to God for whatever reason it was that we were able to get the pardon in the first place." 'My dad is just jacked' Todd and Julie Chrisley's children react to Trump pardon Todd, Savannah Chrisley say family was targeted for status During a September 2024 hearing, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Julie Chrisley apologized "for my actions and what led me to where I am today." When asked about this apology during the May 30 press conference, Todd Chrisley argued she had no other options. "You're placed in a position as a defendant to either bow down ... (to) the Department of Justice and accept responsibility for things that you did not do in order to avoid a stronger sentence," he said. "And the corruption that went on in our case is going to continue to unfold, and (attorney) Alex (Little) is going to continue to give each and every one of you the evidence." USA TODAY has reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia for comment. What crimes were Julie and Todd Chrisley accused of committing? The Chrisleys were first indicted in Georgia federal court in August 2019, four years after the couple moved to the Belle Meade area of Nashville. During their trial, prosecutors said the Chrisleys defrauded banks of more than $36 million in fraudulent loans and received millions in proceeds, according to court records. "The Chrisleys defrauded financial institutions and the Federal Government through tax evasion and other fraudulent means in an effort to minimize their tax liability (and) project an image of wealth," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey in a November 2022 news release following the Chrisleys' sentencing. "This sentencing serves notice that no matter a person's celebrity status, there are severe consequences for defrauding the American tax system." Julie was sentenced to seven years, while Todd was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison — which was shortened to nine years by the time of his release. They began serving their sentences in January 2023. U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross had ordered the couple to forfeit more than a combined $22 million as pardon of their sentences; Trump's pardon wipes that debt clean as it was part of the court order and not a civil matter. Todd Chrisley said he'd felt numb after learning he was being pardoned. "All I could think about was the guys that I was leaving behind," Todd Chrisley said. "And when I left that day, there was only 317 men in our camp, but they were lined up shouting when I was walking out, and they were saying, 'Don't leave; don't forget us.'"
Fox News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Julie Chrisley is 'doing well,' focusing on family after returning home from prison
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After more than two years behind bars, Julie Chrisley has returned home, and she's turning her full attention to what matters most: family. As she and her husband, Todd Chrisley, are looking to put that chapter behind them, their lawyer, Alex Little, shared with Fox News Digital an update on how Julie has been since she was released from prison on Wednesday. "I saw Julie yesterday. I think she's doing well," Little shared. "I mean, you have to remember this is a family, and a family that's been separated for more than two years." Julie and Todd's release from federal prison came after the couple were pardoned by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The "Chrisley Knows Best" stars served time on bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Their lawyer continued to share a glimpse of their family reunion after they'd been separated for two years. "A huge part of being home is just getting family time and being together. And that's what she wanted to focus on today," he said. "I think it's hard," Little pointed out. "You can imagine… it's not as if you can sort of pick up immediately, but they've always stayed in contact… Todd and Julie, they didn't get to speak on the phone, but they emailed every day… I think they're doing that standard repair you do when you get back, and you're in the same place." WATCH: THE CHRISLEY FAMILY LAWYER SAYS JULIE CHRISLEY IS DOING WELL He concluded, "A lot of people… know Todd and Julie as celebrities and as reality TV stars, and I think it's really interesting for those who know them personally… know how just generally good humans they are… it's really wonderful to see them back together, back as family, and able to… restart their lives." Their attorney's comments come after Julie was visibly absent from the Chrisley family press conference on Friday. This marked the first time her husband, Todd, has spoken to the media since 2022. His daughter Savannah was also present at the press conference that was held in their home city of Nashville, Tennessee. The Chrisley patriarch also said during Friday's news conference that his wife remained resilient through her time in prison, and she is ecstatic to be reunited with her family, especially her children. "Julie, who is a wonderful, decent, God-fearing woman — and that I am blessed to have been married to and been with for over 30 years now — an excellent mother," he said. "She's at home with [adopted daughter] Chloe right now, and Chloe will not let her go." Chloe is the biological daughter of Todd's estranged son, Kyle. She became a star of the show, much to Kyle's dismay after he was kicked off the program following the first season due to his substance abuse and addiction issues. Chloe was adopted by the Chrisleys, and they were granted full custody of their granddaughter, after Kyle's addiction came into the spotlight. Meanwhile, faith, family and fitness were the pillars that carried Todd through incarceration, he said. He credited speaking with his children — Savannah, Chase and Grayson — as a saving grace. He also kept in touch with his wife of 30 years, Julie, through daily emails. "I talked to my daughter every day. To Chase, to Grayson. And I was able to email with Julie every day," he shared. "So I think that for me, I haven't had the same effects that so many people leaving the prison system have had. So I'm grateful for that." As Julie prioritized her family, she was seen leaving a butcher shop in Nashville, just one day after being released from federal prison. The reality TV star was rocking her natural hair color while smiling outside the shop. Her son, Chase, opened up about his mother's new look and said she may not go back to her blonde appearance. "My mother's an angel. She's still a beautiful woman," Chase previously told Entertainment Tonight. "Her hair's darker now. I'm like, 'Mama, we gotta go back platinum blonde.' And she's like, 'I'm not doing that.'" Todd and Julie were previously sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively. The couple were convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans as well as tax evasion; their sentences were later reduced. Todd and Julie were initially indicted in August 2019, and a new indictment was later filed. They were found guilty in June 2022 of not only bank fraud and tax evasion, but also conspiring to defraud the IRS.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Todd Chrisley takes aim at prison ‘injustices' after Trump pardon
Todd Chrisley, who along with his wife Julie received a pardon from President Trump earlier this week after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion charges, said during a Friday press conference he will continue fighting 'injustices' at the Bureau of Prisons. 'I have met some wonderful men. I have listened to some horrific stories about things that have gone on in our system. And whether you believe it or not, because I was you at some point, even though this pardon has happened, I still was convicted of something that I did not do. It could be you,' Todd Chrisley told reporters Friday, in his first address since his Wednesday release. Chrisley later added he will 'continue to fight for all the guys that I dealt with and that I was blessed to be with at FPC Pensacola. I will continue to expose the injustices that go on there and throughout the department and throughout the Bureau of Prisons.' Chrisley, who spent more than two years behind bars, thanked Trump and his pardon czar Alice Johnson for the pardon, along with his wife Julie. The couple was convicted of several counts of financial fraud and two counts of tax evasion in 2022. Prosecutors said the two conspired to defraud banks in the Atlanta area in the tune of over $30 million in loans by filing false documents. Todd Chrisley began his 12-year prison sentence in January 2023, while Julie received seven years behind bars. The couple were stars of the 'Chrisley Knows Best' reality TV show that aired on USA Network for 10 seasons from 2014-23. Chrisley detailed his time in prison, saying that behind bars, individuals are treated differently based on their race. 'Being in the prison system, anyone that says that it's a fair shake, it's not. Because I dealt with young African American males in the prison that I was in that were not treated the same. They were denied programming,' he said Friday. 'They were denied access to certain things. I was not denied that, but we know why I wasn't denied that.' 'And so I think that is a much bigger picture that we all as a society, as a whole, need to look at, that we are one and whether you're Republican, Democrat or whatever, at the end of the day when you're in that hospital, you don't care if it's a Democrat treating you or Republican,' the former reality TV star added. 'Now some of you may, but I want whoever's going to be the best person to do that.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Todd Chrisley speaks out after Trump pardon, alleges racial injustice at FPC Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — Reality TV star Todd Chrisley and his daughter, Savannah Chrisley, held a press conference Friday morning for the first time since under a presidential pardon. 'When she called me, she was crying': Nanny Faye's local friend on Todd Chrisley's release During the press conference, Todd discussed the conditions inside the prison camp he was in — the Federal Correctional Institution in Pensacola. WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE According to Todd, not all 317 men inside FCP Pensacola were treated the same. 'Being in the prison system, anyone that says that it's a fair shake, it's not, because I dealt with young, African American males in the prison that I was in that were not treated the same,' said Todd. 'They were denied programming, they were denied access to certain things. I was not denied that.' Todd followed this comment by saying he believes society needs to look at the bigger picture and realize 'we are one.' According to an Associated Press report from December 2024, the Federal Bureau of Prisons is closing and demolishing its Pensacola location due to 'significant disrepair.' 'I will continue to fight for all the guys that I dealt with and that I was blessed to be with at FCP Pensacola,' said Todd. 'I will continue to expose the injustices that go on there and throughout the bureau of prisons.' Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley, starred on the USA Network reality series 'Chrisley Knows Best' from 2014-2023. The couple were found guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion in 2022. Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Julie was sentenced to seven. Both Chrisleys reported to their respective prisons in January 2023. this week, and both were released from prison on Wednesday, May 28. Todd served at FCP Pensacola; Julie served at Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Fairhope and Daphne hit by 80 mph winds as surprise storm downs trees across Baldwin County This story is developing. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
