Latest news with #JoeExotic
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Todd Chrisley, Julie Chrisley released from prison after Trump pardon
The family's legal representative said in a statement that both Chrisleys are on the "way home to Nashville." Earlier in the day, the president signed paperwork granting full pardons to the "Chrisley Knows Best" stars, a White House official confirmed to USA TODAY. The couple, who documented their family life on USA Network reality shows, had been in prison since January 2023, serving up to 10 years for using fraudulent loans to defraud community banks in Georgia. Their 2022 conviction also found them guilty of defrauding the IRS and committing tax evasion; Julie Chrisley was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud. On May 27, Trump called the Chrisleys' middle daughter, Savannah Chrisley, to let her know her parents were "going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow." Savannah, who spoke at the Republican National Convention in July and has actively championed her parents' release, celebrated the news in a video she posted to Instagram May 27 and announced she was preparing for their return. "We're getting some clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs, and I'm just speechless. I can't thank you guys enough for sticking with my family along the way and for loving us and supporting us," she said. "My parents get to start their lives over," she continued. "President Trump didn't just commute their sentences. He gave them a full, unconditional, pardon. So for that I am forever grateful." 'He keeps his word' Chrisley family reacts to Trump pardon How long were the Chrisleys in prison? Julie Chrisley, 52, has been serving her seven-year prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Her most recent release date prior to the pardon was slated for January 2028. Todd Chrisley has been serving time at FPC Pensacola and was expected to be released April 7, 2032. "Chrisley Knows Best" aired on USA Network for 10 seasons, from 2014 through 2023. "Growing Up Chrisley," a spin-off featuring the couple's adult children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, went on for four seasons after its 2019 premiere. Joe Exotic also seeking pardon from Donald Trump Amid the Todd and Julie Chrisley's pardon from Trump, reality TV star Joe Exotic, who's currently in prison, is wondering why the president isn't returning his calls. "Donald J. Trump please restore freedom for Joe Exotic so he can go back to doing good in the world," the former businessman shared on his X account. "Joe Exotic did not hurt anyone. Joe Exotic did not pay anyone. Joe Exotic had no plans to hurt anyone. Joe Exotic has suffered seven years behind bars being isolated, abused, and treated in ways no American should ever endure." More: 'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic is married: 'Meet my husband' Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also shared a press release that further expressed his disappointment. "I have never been more disappointed in my life that President Trump is pardoning all of these people that have actually committed crimes and yet the President leaves me in here as an innocent man," read the statement.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Julie and Todd Chrisley will be released from prison as Trump signs full pardon
Julie and Todd Chrisley will be released from prison as Trump signs full pardon Show Caption Hide Caption Trump set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley President Trump called Savannah Chrisley from the Oval Office in the White House to tell her he wants to pardon her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley. President Trump has officially pardoned Julie and Todd Chrisley. On May 28, the president signed paperwork granting full pardons to the "Chrisley Knows Best" stars, a White House official confirmed to USA TODAY. The couple, who documented their family life on USA Network reality shows, had been in prison since January 2023, serving up to 10 years for using fraudulent loans to defraud community banks in Georgia. Their 2022 conviction also found them guilty of defrauding the IRS and committing tax evasion; Julie Chrisley was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud. On May 27, Trump called the Chrisleys' middle daughter, Savannah Chrisley, to let her know her parents were "going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow." Savannah, who spoke at the Republican National Convention in July and has actively championed her parents' release, celebrated the news in a video she posted to Instagram May 27 and announced she was preparing for their return. "We're getting some clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs, and I'm just speechless. I can't thank you guys enough for sticking with my family along the way and for loving us and supporting us," she said. "My parents get to start their lives over," she continued. "President Trump didn't just commute their sentences. He gave them a full, unconditional, pardon. So for that I am forever grateful." 'He keeps his word' Chrisley family reacts to Trump pardon How long were the Chrisleys in prison? Julie Chrisley, 52, has been serving her seven-year prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Her most recent release date prior to the pardon was slated for January 2028. Todd Chrisley has been serving time at FPC Pensacola and was expected to be released April 7, 2032. "Chrisley Knows Best" aired on USA Network for 10 seasons, from 2014 through 2023. "Growing Up Chrisley," a spin-off featuring the couple's adult children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, went on for four seasons after its 2019 premiere. Joe Exotic also seeking pardon from Donald Trump Amid the Todd and Julie Chrisley's pardon from Trump, reality TV star Joe Exotic, who's currently in prison, is wondering why the president isn't returning his calls. "Donald J. Trump please restore freedom for Joe Exotic so he can go back to doing good in the world," the former businessman shared on his X account. "Joe Exotic did not hurt anyone. Joe Exotic did not pay anyone. Joe Exotic had no plans to hurt anyone. Joe Exotic has suffered seven years behind bars being isolated, abused, and treated in ways no American should ever endure." More: 'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic is married: 'Meet my husband' Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also shared a press release that further expressed his disappointment. "I have never been more disappointed in my life that President Trump is pardoning all of these people that have actually committed crimes and yet the President leaves me in here as an innocent man," read the statement.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report reveals safety incidents at Geismar plant that left one dead, others hurt was preventable
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A new federal report released by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) revealed a series of safety failures at the Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies facility in Geismar. The report covered three chemical incidents from October 2021 to June 2024. These incidents involved toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF). One incident led to a fatality, while others caused multiple injuries. Oct. 21, 2021: A corroded gasket failed during a unit startup, spraying HF on a worker's face, neck and ear. According to CSB, the worker lacked proper protective gear and died later that day. Honeywell had known since 2007 that the gasket material was prone to corrosion but had not replaced all of them. Damages were estimated at $14 million. Jan. 23, 2023: A reboiler exploded, releasing over 800 pounds of hydrogen fluoride and 1,600 pounds of chlorine gas. No one was injured, but the blast caused $4 million in damage. A shelter-in-place order was issued, and nearby highways were shut down. Honeywell had approved a replacement plan for the equipment in 2022 but never acted on it due to internal miscommunication. June 7, 2024: A contract worker was seriously injured during maintenance work. When a worker loosened a flange, residual HF trapped in the piping sprayed him in the face. The worker was not wearing proper face or respiratory protection and suffered second-degree burns and spent two days in the hospital. Ex-girlfriend charged in Baton Rouge boat fire incident 'Not only were these three serious incidents completely unacceptable, our investigation found that they also were entirely preventable,' CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said. The CSB found that Honeywell did not maintain its equipment often. CSB said they also failed to spot hazards and put in place safety measures. The agency made several recommendations for Honeywell. These suggestions aim to boost safety systems and enhance oversight. The CSB urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review HF's health and environmental risks. It also called on OSHA to update safety rules for companies. Nebraska Republican interrogated over GOP megabill during tense town hall Jailed reality TV star Joe Exotic rips Trump Chrisley pardons Will Southwest lose customers over new bag policy, seating plan? Black bear roams Central neighborhood on Wednesday morning Schumer rips Trump plan to privatize Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Trump criticized for pardoning reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
President Donald Trump's decision to pardon reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley has sparked backlash from critics who blasted his use of clemency to benefit celebrities and wealthy donors. The former stars of 'Chrisley Knows Best' were convicted in 2022 for orchestrating a $30 million bank fraud and tax evasion scheme and have been serving multi-year prison terms. Julie was sentenced to serve in Kentucky until 2028, and Todd in Florida until 2032. But on Tuesday, Trump personally called their daughter, Savannah Chrisley (pictured), from the Oval Office to inform her of his bombshell decision. The made-for-TV moment was broadcast on social media by Trump aide Margo Martin who celebrated the criminals' release with the caption, 'Trump Knows Best.' 'It's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean,' a smiling Trump said during the phone call with Savannah. One former reality TV star, however, was incensed by the decision as Joe Exotic of 'Tiger King' said he should have been next on the pardon list. 'I guess being innocent is not enough in America,' the feline lover raged on X. But Savannah Chrisley made inroads by kissing the presidential ring. She had become a fixture in MAGA circles and pushed for a pardon at CPAC, the RNC, and even the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The move quickly drew backlash from legal experts, political observers, and members of the public who accused Trump of politicizing the pardon process and undermining the rule of law. The incarcerated 62-year-old vented to his 1M social media followers via X. 'They all admitted to perjury on world television but yet I'm left to die of [prostate] cancer before I can get any help,' he wrote. 'Why is it the entire world can see the evidence but the White House refuses to acknowledge that they did this to me knowing that they were lying?' Joe is currently serving his fifth year of a 21-year sentence at FMC Forth Worth Federal Medical Center in Texas. Maldonado was notoriously arrested in 2018 for paying two hitmen (one of whom was an undercover FBI agent) $3K and $10K to murder his nemesis, Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin. The former roadside zoo owner was also convicted on eight violations of the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and nine violations of the Endangered Species Act by killing five tigers and selling tigers across state lines. Despite this, Joe has repeatedly stressed that he 'did not hurt anyone,' 'did not pay anyone,' and 'had no plans to hurt anyone.' Maldonado continues to claim his case was riddled with entrapment, coerced testimonies, perjury confessions, and collusion between federal agencies. Others online were deeply critical of Trump's use of the presidential pardon. Many wasted no time in torching the decision painting it as yet another example of Trump using the pardon as a tool of political theater and cronyism. 'Pardons are meant for innocent people,' wrote @odinikaeze. 'But for whatever reason, this orange clown pardons actual criminals.' 'He's turning the justice system into a spin-off show for cronies and crooks,' added @ConInsurgent. 'And it's a shame.' Other observers linked the pardon to a broader pattern of Trump's favoritism for celebrities and loyalists, often ignoring the substance of their convictions. 'This isn't just a one-off,' tweeted @JonathanWiltsh7. 'Trump has a history of using pardons to reward loyalty, curry favor, or grab headlines… The Chrisley pardons undermine faith in the rule of law.' Some conservatives joined in the condemnation. One voter, @DrQED2, who claimed to have supported Trump, tweeted bluntly: 'I voted for Trump. I am VERY disappointed in him. Pardoned 2 criminals???????' Perhaps the most blistering response came from @CharlesPerreir7, who wrote: 'Crooks protect crooks. This is what corruption looks like: a con artist president handing out pardons like they're VIP passes to his swampy little crime syndicate. 'Meanwhile, regular people rot in jail for petty offenses, but rich, connected liars get a free pass. Spare me.' Others took aim at the racial and class dynamics underlying the decision: 'Of course he did,' tweeted @ginar2008. 'They're rich and white, just like he likes it.' 'Trump is so easily flattered into doing things for (criminals) people,' @GilesBid91902 posted. 'That quality is the OPPOSITE of what you want in a leader.' 'Every time I think MAGA can't sink any lower,' wrote @JLM000, 'they scream 'Hold our beer.' The pardon of the Chrisleys is just the latest in a growing list of clemency decisions Trump has handed down in his second term - many benefiting campaign allies, MAGA loyalists, and wealthy supporters. Earlier this week he pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted in a cash-for-badges scheme, and Paul Walczak, whose mother reportedly raised millions for Trump's campaign.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Joe Exotic EXPLODES on social media after Trump pardons the Chrisleys and not him
Tiger King alum Joe 'Exotic' Maldonado was outraged after President Donald Trump decided to pardon Chrisley Knows Best stars Todd and Julie Chrisley rather than him on Tuesday. 'I guess being innocent is not enough in America,' the incarcerated 62-year-old - who boasts 1M social media followers - vented via X. 'They all admitted to perjury on world television but yet I'm left to die of [prostate] cancer before I can get any help. 'Why is it the entire world can see the evidence but the White House refuses to acknowledge that they did this to me knowing that they were lying?' Joe is currently serving his fifth year of a 21-year sentence at FMC Forth Worth Federal Medical Center in Texas. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop The incarcerated 62-year-old - who boasts 1M social media followers - vented via X: 'I guess being innocent is not enough in America. They all admitted to perjury on world television but yet I'm left to die of [prostate] cancer before I can get any help' Maldonado was notoriously arrested in 2018 for paying two hitmen (one of whom was an undercover FBI agent) $3K and $10K to murder his nemesis, Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin. The former roadside zoo owner was also convicted on eight violations of the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and nine violations of the Endangered Species Act by killing five tigers and selling tigers across state lines. Despite this, Joe has repeatedly stressed that he 'did not hurt anyone,' 'did not pay anyone,' and 'had no plans to hurt anyone.' Maldonado continues to claim his case was riddled with entrapment, coerced testimonies, perjury confessions, and collusion between federal agencies. The petition to 'free Joe Exotic' currently has over 25K signatures. Meanwhile, the Chrisleys could be 'coming home tonight or tomorrow' after the 78-year-old POTUS issued the couple a pardon way ahead of their scheduled release from prison in 2035 and 2030. Todd (born Michael) is serving his 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, FL for tax evasion (2008-2019) after being found guilty of defrauding community banks out of more than $30M of loans. Julie is serving her seven-year sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, KY for the same charges as well as wire fraud and obstruction of justice. During the three-week trial, it was revealed that the 56-year-old grandfather-of-two's alleged ex-lover and business partner Mark Braddock - who was granted immunity - was the one who tipped off authorities. Despite this, Maldonado has repeatedly stressed that he 'did not hurt anyone' and claims his case was riddled with entrapment, coerced testimonies, perjury confessions, and collusion between federal agencies The Chrisleys could be 'coming home tonight or tomorrow' after the 78-year-old POTUS issued the couple a pardon way ahead of their scheduled release from prison in 2035 and 2030 Fans first got to know the eccentric Georgia clan in the USA Network's Chrisley Knows Best, which aired for 10 seasons spanning 2014-2023 as well as Peacock spin-off Growing Up Chrisley, which aired for four seasons spanning 2019-2022 (pictured in 2021) 'We're putting clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs,' their eldest daughter Savannah Chrisley gushed on Instagram Tuesday. 'They're coming home. My parents get to start their lives over. President Trump didn't just commute their sentences, he gave them a full, unconditional pardon. So for that I am forever grateful. Thank you, President Trump.' Fans first got to know the eccentric Georgia clan in the USA Network's Chrisley Knows Best, which aired for 10 seasons spanning 2014-2023 as well as Peacock spin-off Growing Up Chrisley, which aired for four seasons spanning 2019-2022. Another recently-freed convict is Joe's sixth 'husband' Jorge Flores Maldonado, who was promptly deported to Tamaulipas in Mexico by ICE on May 16 following his release from FMC. 'There is a lot of organized crime here and there is no security,' the Mexican 33-year-old told the New York Post last Saturday. 'I am a very famous person and right now I run the risk of being kidnapped. The cartels are very active here — I cannot even go out on the street. They think I have money because of my husband.' Maldonado is 29 years older than Jorge, whom he announced he wed on April 22 after a six-month engagement behind bars. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness held the No. 1 spot on Netflix top 10 most streamed list for 25 days straight in March-April 2020 - amassing over 34M viewers. Directing duo Eric Goode & Rebecca Chaikli's eight-part docuseries truly became a pop culture phenomenon at the height of COVID-19 quarantine and spawned a number of spin-offs.
