Latest news with #Chrisley


Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Savannah Chrisley opens up about undergoing liposuction after gaining 40 pounds: 'I didn't like how I looked'
Reality star Savannah Chrisley, 27, shared how she underwent liposuction after gaining 40 pounds in just three months due to medication prescribed for endometriosis. Speaking with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Charlie Galanis, who performed the procedure. Why she kept it private — Until now Chrisley revealed on the July 15 episode of her Unlocked podcast that 'I was going through all kinds of s*** with my endometriosis and I had taken this medication, and I gained 40 pounds, literally, in three months. It was crazy.' She added that the weight gain left her feeling physically and emotionally drained, especially ahead of a scheduled campaign shoot: 'I felt like s***. I didn't like how I looked. If you don't like how you look, it doesn't just take a toll on you physically, but emotionally and mentally.' Chrisley admitted she never planned to publicly disclose the surgery, citing the stigma around cosmetic procedures: 'I was going through all of my health stuff. Gaining weight, I was working out, eating right, nothing was working… I needed a quick fix, but the judgment that goes along with it.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Even Dr. Galanis was surprised by her openness, 'I'm surprised you're bringing this up. We never talked about this publicly before.' To which Chrisley replied, 'Neither did I.' A turning point toward healthier living The procedure took place around Christmastime, following a virtual consultation. Chrisley flew to Beverly Hills within a week and was joined by her mother, Julie Chrisley, for support. Six weeks later, she saw dramatic results: 'When I saw the results, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I want to keep this up.' It made me want to live a healthier life.' She described feeling like a 'totally different human being' and credited the transformation with motivating her to adopt better habits. She said she felt like an entirely different human being and attributed the change with inspiring her to live better. Speaking out about her liposuction, Savannah Chrisley shows a move for openness in celebrity wellness paths. Her story reveals the emotional expense of long-term disease, the stress of public image, and the personal empowerment one may get from regaining control of one's body—stigma or otherwise.


USA Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
'Chrisley Knows Best' star Savannah Chrisley teases political future after parents' pardon
Controversial conservative TV star Savannah Chrisley is teasing a run for U.S. Senate. The former "Chrisley Knows Best" star, who advocated for freeing parents Todd and Julie Chrisley from federal prison with the help of a pardon by President Donald Trump, told attendees at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida, over the weekend that she has political aspirations. "I had a meeting a few weeks ago at the White House about me potentially taking over a House seat that's coming available, and what a journey that would be," Chrisley told the crowd, adding that she went "through the process to see what that would look like for me and my family." Pardons and podcasts: See where 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars are now On May 27, Trump called the Chrisleys' middle daughter to let her know her parents were "going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow." The couple, who documented their family life on USA Network reality shows, had been in prison since January 2023, originally set to serve up to 10 years for using fraudulent loans to defraud community banks in Georgia. Hours after President Trump signed off on a full pardon for the Chrisleys, the couple was released from their respective prisons. Chrisley continued: "When it comes to running for public office right now, I don't know if I really want the House seat. I think maybe there's a Senate seat that could come in my future in the next three years, and I'm going to go for the big dog." There are no open senate seats or elections in Tennessee in the next three years. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R) was reelected in 2024 but has been floated as a possible candidate for Tennessee governor in 2026. She was reelected to her seat last year. The state's junior senator Bill Hagerty is up for reelection next year. Chrisley said that as "a woman, that makes me feel so good because there (are) powerful women that need to be in a position to make change and to not be afraid to show up in a room full of men and have your voice heard." During her speech, she also referenced her adopted sister Chloe Chrisley, the biological daughter of her eldest brother Kyle Chrisley, saying she wants to "show her that women have seat at the table, and you don't always have to fight for it." Who is Savannah Chrisley? Chrisley starred in the USA Network reality show "Chrisley Knows Best" from 2014 to 2023. But now, the second eldest Chrisley daughter has become an emerging star in right-leaning politics since Trump announced his third presidential run, even speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July. Contributing: KiMi Robinson


The Hill
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Todd Chrisley on 28-month jail stay: ‘They called me Teflon Todd'
Former reality star Todd Chrisley recently opened up on what was going through his mind during his 28-month jail stay. Speaking on his daughter Savannah Chrisley's 'Unlocked' podcast, Chrisley admitted he wasn't himself at all. 'I feel like I did a podcast for 28 months with all the people that were around me,' he said. 'They called me 'Teflon Todd.'' Todd and wife Julie Chrisley, who was alongside him for the interview, were both pardoned by President Trump back in May after being convicted on federal charges of tax evasion, bank and wire fraud, and conspiracy in June 2022. Savannah Chrisley had advocated for her parents' release while also publicly supporting Trump. In a press conference, she blamed the judge — who was appointed by former President Obama — for allowing what she called 'illegal' evidence. 'In my head, I was still free,' Chrisley acknowledged. 'I did not take up residence there. I was in prison; prison was not in me.' He added that during his time behind bars he prayed and read his Bible most of the time. In addition, Chrisley admitted he made friendships during his time to help him get through. The reality star was also in the same prison as Rick Singer, the mastermind behind the 2019 college admissions scandal. The Chrisleys were among a flurry of pardons issued by Trump. Both had been rejected by the typical lengthy pardon process that includes review from the Justice Department. Chrisley maintains that the trial and conviction were unfair and that he and his wife should never have been convicted. The Chrisleys are set to return to television on Lifetime soon, with the new program revolving around the family's challenge of carrying on their name and legacy on their own.


Fox News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'God touched President Trump's heart': Todd and Julie Chrisley describe moment they learned about pardon
Todd and Julie Chrisley recounted the moment they learned they would be receiving a pardon from President Donald Trump in an exclusive interview on Fox News that's set to air this Saturday on "My View with Lara Trump." "It was the craziest thing and everybody was just looking at me because unfortunately, most of the news that you get in prison is bad news. You know, so they're like, are you OK? I'm like, I am. I'm getting out of here. I'm getting out of here," said Julie. The reality TV stars, along with their children Savannah and Grayson, sat down with Fox News host Lara Trump for their first interview since Trump's presidential pardon and their subsequent release from prison. Todd said a fellow inmate stopped him while he was walking and told him that he believed he had just been pardoned. The "Chrisley Knows Best" star didn't initially believe what he had heard until a corrections officer asked him if he was doing well. "He came by, and he goes, 'Are you good?' And I said, as good as I can be. And he said, Todd, you just got pardoned. They sent me down here to make sure you're OK. And I said, well, they don't need to be worrying about me now. Hell, if I'm pardoned, I'm great," Todd said. "We owe thanks to God. And I say - and God touched President Trump's heart. God led the people to advocate for us. And so, I'm grateful because every night I would pray that God would return me home to my wife and my children. And he did that, so I'm grateful." Todd and Julie's daughter, Savannah, advocated for her parents' release after they were convicted in June 2022 in a federal court in Atlanta, Georgia. The 27-year-old alleged the prosecution was politically motivated due to her parents' support for Trump and their conservative values. Todd and Julie Chrisley were sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively, in federal prison after a jury convicted them of bank and tax fraud offenses following a nearly three-week trial, according to the Department of Justice. Both of their sentences, however, were later reduced. "The Chrisleys defrauded financial institutions and the Federal Government through tax evasion and other fraudulent means in an effort to minimize their tax liability, but project an image of wealth," said James Dorsey, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation's Atlanta Field Office, at the time. "This sentencing serves notice that no matter a person's celebrity status, there are severe consequences for defrauding the American tax system." Todd and Savannah held a press conference in May, soon after he and his wife were released, where he maintained their innocence. He joked about his residual Botox not wearing off in prison, and Savannah shared their plans for the future. The Chrisleys are returning to reality TV with a new docuseries on Lifetime, which offers a glimpse into the trial and what the family went through. "We're going to set the record straight, and now we move forward with our lives," said Savannah. Tune in to watch the full interview with the Chrisleys on Saturday, June 28 on "My View with Lara Trump at 9 p.m. ET.


Forbes
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Dems Push Back On Trump Pardons With Restitution Argument
Whether one supports Donald J. Trump or not, his approach as president is notably different, especially when it comes to pardons and commutations. In his first term, Trump issued 143 pardons and 38 commutations, far fewer than Barack Obama. However, in his second term, by June 2025, he had granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals, including those convicted for the January 6th Capitol attack. What stands out is not the number, but the frequency of these pardons, which include both white-collar and drug-related offenses. Alice Johnson, appointed as Pardon Czar, plays a significant role in this process, focusing on individual cases and rehabilitation over political connections. Trump's pardons have sparked criticism from Democrats, particularly regarding the loss of restitution payments. Critics argue that Trump's pardons, often granted to political allies and high-profile individuals, have harmed victims by wiping out restitution payments that would have otherwise gone to them or the government. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) highlighted several examples, including the case of Todd and Julie Chrisley, claiming that Trump's mass pardons, including those for January 6th felons, canceled $1.3 billion in restitution and fines owed to victims and taxpayers. However, a closer examination of the restitution process reveals that a significant portion of restitution is never paid, and many of the amounts owed do not accurately reflect the financial losses caused by the crimes. Despite the political outcry, the actual impact of pardons on restitution is overstated, as the enforcement of restitution payments is typically limited, with many offenders unable to pay the full amount. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, financial loss plays a crucial role in determining prison sentences for crimes like fraud, theft, and embezzlement. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual assigns offense levels based on the amount of financial loss caused by the defendant. Larger losses result in higher offense levels and, consequently, longer sentences. For instance, a defendant who causes a loss of over $25 million will likely face a significantly harsher sentence than one responsible for a much smaller loss. Additionally, financial loss affects restitution or forfeiture amounts that defendants must pay after serving their sentences. These amounts are often determined at sentencing but can be unclear in their calculation. In the case of high-profile cases like FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who was ordered to pay $11 billion in forfeiture, or former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, who faced $452 million in restitution, the amounts are often unrealistic, as the defendants may never be able to repay such large sums. Restitution Payback Is Low, Very Low Research published by George Washington Law School in their report "Debunking Criminal Restitution" reveals that 82% of felony defendants at the state level and about 76% at the federal level are classified as indigent. As a result, many individuals facing restitution lack the financial ability to repay, and those who might are often burdened by legal fees and lost income due to criminal proceedings. Additionally, the barriers individuals face after being released from prison create a cycle of debt that is nearly impossible to break, further hindering their ability to repay restitution. According to the Government Accountability Office, US Attorneys Offices (USAO) collected $2.95 billion in restitution debt in fiscal years 2014 through 2016. However, at the end of fiscal year 2016, $110 billion in previously ordered restitution remained outstanding, and USAOs identified $100 billion of that outstanding debt as uncollectible due to offenders' inability to pay. Corporate criminal restitution make up a large amount of what is collected, not individuals. Department of Justice's Fraud Section reported a significant increase in corporate restitution in 2024. The section resolved 13 corporate cases, resulting in over $2.3 billion in total monetary recoveries, a 300% increase from the previous year. These cases primarily involved healthcare fraud, securities violations, and procurement fraud. Whereas corporations can move on with a large restitution payment after fraudulent activities, individuals, who face significant incarceration time, cannot. The Department of Justice's own website even notes that recovery of full restitution is unlikely, noting on its website, 'While defendants may make partial payments toward the full restitution owed, it is rare that defendants are able to fully pay the entire restitution amount owed.' Some have pegged the recovery at around 2% of the amounts due. Bill Clinton signed the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act (MVRA) into law on April 24, 1996. The MVRA mandated that federal courts require convicted offenders to pay restitution to their victims, ensuring compensation for financial losses resulting from certain crimes. The MVRA removed judicial discretion, meaning judges could no longer consider a defendant's ability to pay when determining restitution. As a result, prosecutors often seek maximum restitution, aiming for longer sentences with little expectation of recovery. Offenders end up in lifelong debt, while victims face the false hope of receiving compensation for their losses. That Democrats are now using the loss of restitution dollars as a push back on Trump seems a bit disingenuous since it was their party who pushed for MVRA. It was also Clinton who signed into law the 1994 Crime Bill, which led to a dramatic increase in prison population through longer prison terms around the country. Although it is housed in the DOJ's Civil Division, the Financial Litigation Unit's (FLU) primary function is 'to litigate and enforce the collection of criminal and civil debts owed to the United States, including criminal restitution . . . .' The FLU has the power to do so for twenty years from the filing of a judgement, on top of any period of incarceration served. For those owing restitution, it amounts to a life sentence. For many exiting prison, they are on Supervised Release for up to 5 years where they must report a financial statement each month and are required to pay toward their restitution. FLU monitors these assets, often seeking to place liens on assets such as homes and real estate. They also monitor refunds on tax returns and even garnish up to 25% of social security payments. Dr. Topeka Sam did a prison term for drugs and received a pardon from Trump in 2020. She now heads Ladies of Hope Ministries and has been a tireless advocate for those in prison and those returning to society. Dr. Sam also has taken up the cause of the burden that restitution leaves on those trying to move on with their lives. When I spoke to Dr. Sam, she said it clearly, 'We've turned too many people into lifelong justice-involved individuals - not because they continue to break the law, but because of the weight of restitution debt that never goes away. Bankruptcy can't erase it. The only true pathway to relief is a presidential pardon or remission of fines fees and restitution. And when that happens, it's not just about walking out of prison, it's about being restored, being given a real second chance at life." Tanya Pierce served three years for conspiracy to defraud banks during the mortgage crisis after going to trial. She said that her reason for going to trial was that she believed the amount of loss to the banks was approximately $25,000. In addition to her sentence, she was ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution, an amount prosecutors said defined her 'intent' to steal more. Now free from prison and supervised release, she seeks legislative relief, hoping to find a way to escape the lifelong debt she cannot repay. Pierce told me, 'I've been told that my alleged bank victims have never received one dollar of the small amount that I have been able to pay. The FLU is an organization that needs to be shut down and I'm shocked that Trump's DOGE initiative did not do that.' Pierce is pushing for some sort of amnesty for many who are under unrealistic restitution orders. Kay Rogers never received any money from the alleged fraud she pled guilty to but felt she had to take a plea to move on with her life. 'The government put me in prison for 2 years and then they said I owed $5 million to a bank,' Rogers told me, 'now I have a piece of paper from the bank that says I don't owe them a thing but I still have to pay restitution." Rogers has a lien on her modest home and her social security is garnished. Todd Ficeto was once a high-flying investment banker but got involved with a con-man from Germany. Ficeto went to trial and was convicted, resulting in a 6-year prison sentence. Prior to his indictment, he paid over $9 million to avoid prosecution, which represented his entire net worth. Shortly thereafter he was indicted. 'I figured I could pay the money, and be able to move on with life since I believed, and still believe, I did nothing wrong.' Out of prison and now on supervised release, Ficeto has no means to pay his $240 million in restitution, a sum he says represents an amount so outrageous that there is no way to ever pay it back. His former partner, Florian Homm, is a fugitive, living in Germany giving financial advice to the public.