Savannah Chrisley opens up about her life after her parents imprisonment

ABC News
20 Apr 202410:06

Summary

TLDRSavannah Chrisley, a reality TV star from the show 'Chrisley Knows Best,' is actively working to free her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are serving prison sentences for multiple counts of bank fraud and tax evasion. Despite the hardships, Savannah remains hopeful and prayerful for a new trial, believing in the justice system's ability to hold people accountable while also ensuring the government's accountability. As she navigates her parents' legal battles, she also manages her role as the legal guardian for her younger siblings and continues to work on a new reality show that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at her life during this challenging period. Savannah's resilience is further tested by personal tragedies, including the loss of her former fiancé in a motorcycle accident and her new relationship with Robert Shyer, whose ex-wife is charged with plotting to murder him. Through it all, she stays grounded, relying on the support of loved ones and her faith.

Takeaways

  • 🚪 Savannah Chrisley is actively working to get her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, out of prison, expressing hope and faith in the legal process.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Chrisleys, known for their reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best,' are facing prison sentences for multiple counts of bank fraud and tax evasion.
  • 🤔 Savannah and her family argue for a new trial, questioning the truthfulness of a witness and the prosecution's knowledge of any false testimony.
  • 🏡 Savannah has taken on the role of legal guardian for her teenage brother Grayson and 11-year-old niece Khloe since her parents' incarceration.
  • 💔 The family dynamics have been significantly impacted, with holidays and family events being particularly challenging without Todd and Julie present.
  • 🏢 Savannah bought her home in Nashville with earnings from her reality show, indicating her financial independence from her parents.
  • 🛑 The reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best' was cancelled following the legal troubles of the family, leading to a significant shift in their public image.
  • 💰 Federal prosecutors accused the Chrisleys of building an empire on fraudulent means, spending money on luxury items and using new loans to pay off old ones.
  • 📉 The Chrisleys were indicted on 12 counts including bank and wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy, which led to their current sentences.
  • 🏫 Savannah's father is serving his sentence in a minimum-security prison in Florida, while her mother is in a federal medical center in Kentucky.
  • 📈 Savannah is planning a third reality show that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at her life while advocating for her parents' release.

Q & A

  • Who is Savannah Christley trying to get out of prison?

    -Savannah Christley is trying to get her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, out of prison.

  • What is the reason for Todd and Julie Chrisley's imprisonment?

    -Todd and Julie Chrisley are serving prison sentences after being convicted of multiple counts of defrauding banks and evading taxes.

  • What is the primary issue argued by the Christley family during the hearing?

    -The primary issue argued is whether one of the witnesses testified falsely and whether the prosecution had any knowledge of that, which they believe could lead to a new trial for Todd and Julie.

  • What reality show are Todd and Julie Chrisley known for?

    -Todd and Julie Chrisley are known for the reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best'.

  • How has Savannah been supporting her family since her parents' imprisonment?

    -Savannah has become the legal guardian for her teenage brother Grayson and 11-year-old niece Khloe, taking them to visit their parents in prison and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

  • What is the status of the reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best'?

    -The show 'Chrisley Knows Best' was cancelled after the indictment of Todd and Julie Chrisley on charges of fraud and tax evasion.

  • What sentence did Todd Chrisley receive after the trial?

    -Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

  • What is Savannah's stance on the government's role in the legal system?

    -Savannah believes in a system that holds people accountable, but also one where the government should be held accountable as well.

  • How did Savannah meet her new boyfriend, Robert Shyer?

    -Savannah reached out to Robert Shyer via social media after hearing about the alleged plot against him, offering support as someone who understands being in the public eye.

  • What is the current project Savannah is working on related to her family?

    -Savannah is working on a third 'Chrisley' show, which is a behind-the-scenes look at her life while her parents are still behind bars.

  • What is the family's attorney, Alex Little, arguing in regards to the conviction of Todd and Julie Chrisley?

    -Alex Little argues that there's a reason for appeals in the legal system and that it's possible for wrongfully convicted individuals to be released, implying that the Chrisleys' conviction may be flawed.

  • What are the conditions like that Todd and Julie Chrisley have complained about while in prison?

    -Todd and Julie Chrisley have complained about poor conditions, including filthy environments and food that is outdated by at least a year.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Hopeful Advocacy for Parents' Freedom

Savannah Chrisley is actively working to free her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, from prison. The couple, known for their reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best,' are serving sentences for defrauding banks and tax evasion. Savannah, accompanied by her family and new boyfriend, pleads their case in court, expressing hope and faith in the judicial system. The family argues for a new trial, questioning the truthfulness of a witness's testimony. Savannah, who grew up in the public eye, now shoulders the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings as their legal guardian. Despite the challenges, she remains grounded, supported by loved ones, and has even found new love with Robert Shyer after the tragic loss of her former fiancé. The Chrisleys maintain their innocence and are fighting for justice.

05:01

🏛️ Legal Battle and the Reality of Imprisonment

In 2019, Todd and Julie Chrisley were indicted on 12 counts, including bank and wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy. Prosecutors claim the couple built their empire on lies about their wealth, labeling them as career swindlers. The Chrisleys allegedly used fraudulent loans to fund a luxurious lifestyle and failed to file or pay taxes from 2013 to 2016. Despite the public perception, the family's attorney, Alex Little, argues that the justice system is not perfect and that there is room for appeal in cases of wrongful conviction. Todd is serving his sentence in a minimum-security prison in Florida, while Julie is in a federal medical center in Kentucky. The family struggles with the harsh reality of their situation, including poor conditions in prison, as they continue to fight for Todd and Julie's freedom. Savannah Chrisley shares her emotional journey through her podcast, 'Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley,' and is working on a new reality show that aims to capture her parents' potential return home.

10:02

📺 The End of a Reality Era

The Chrisley family's reality show, 'Chrisley Knows Best,' which showcased their affluent lifestyle and family dynamics, came to an abrupt end when the legal troubles began. The show's cancellation left the family isolated as they faced public scrutiny and the challenges of Todd and Julie's imprisonment. Despite the setbacks, Savannah Chrisley remains committed to her family and continues to advocate for her parents' release. The family's story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, the consequences of alleged financial crimes, and the resilience required to navigate through personal and public adversity.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Savannah Chrisley

Savannah Chrisley is the daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are the central figures of the reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best.' She is actively involved in efforts to get her parents released from prison, which is a central theme of the video. Savannah's actions and feelings are a significant part of the narrative, illustrating her commitment to her family and the challenges she faces.

💡Reality Show

A reality show is a genre of television programming that documents supposedly unscripted real-life situations and features ordinary people instead of professional actors. In this context, 'Chrisley Knows Best' is a reality show that has brought the Chrisley family into the public eye, and the video discusses the impact of the show on their lives and the legal issues they are facing.

💡Federal Courthouse

A federal courthouse is a building where U.S. federal courts conduct their judicial proceedings. In the video, Savannah Chrisley arrives at a federal courthouse in Atlanta to plead her parents' case, highlighting the legal setting and the seriousness of the charges against her parents.

💡Defrauding Banks

Defrauding banks refers to the act of deceiving or cheating banks, typically through dishonest means to obtain money, credit, or other benefits. Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted of multiple counts of defrauding banks, which is a key reason for their imprisonment and a central issue in the video.

💡Tax Evasion

Tax evasion is the illegal act of willfully attempting to evade or defeat the assessment or payment of taxes owed. It is mentioned in the video that the Chrisleys were also convicted of tax evasion, adding to the severity of their legal troubles.

💡New Trial

A new trial is a legal procedure where a case is retried due to various reasons such as errors in the initial trial. The Chrisley family and their attorney argue for a new trial, asserting that there may have been false testimonies, which is a pivotal point in their quest for justice as depicted in the video.

💡Legal Guardian

A legal guardian is a person who has the legal authority to make decisions for another individual who is deemed unable to make such decisions for themselves, often due to age or incapacity. Savannah Chrisley is the legal guardian for her teenage brother Grayson and her 11-year-old niece Khloe, reflecting her new responsibilities in the absence of her parents.

💡Reality TV

Reality TV is a form of television programming that documents unscripted situations involving real individuals, often highlighting their personal lives and relationships. Savannah Chrisley came of age on reality TV, and the video discusses her experiences and the impact of being in the public eye from a young age.

💡Motorcycle Crash

A motorcycle crash refers to an accident involving a motorcycle. The video mentions that Savannah lost her former fiancé in a motorcycle crash, which is a significant personal tragedy that she has had to overcome.

💡Public Eye

Being in the public eye means being the subject of public attention or media interest. Savannah Chrisley and her family have been in the public eye since the debut of their reality show in 2014, and the video explores the challenges and implications of this exposure.

💡Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals or entities to eliminate or repay some or all of their debts under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court. The video discusses the financial and legal consequences the Chrisleys faced, including allegations of fraudulent activities that led to their bankruptcy.

💡Wrongfully Convicted

Wrongfully convicted refers to a situation where a person is found guilty of a crime they did not commit. The video mentions the possibility of wrongful conviction in the context of the Chrisleys' case, emphasizing the family's belief in their innocence and the flaws in the justice system.

Highlights

Savannah Chrisley is actively working to get her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, out of prison.

She expresses hope and faith in the legal process, believing in the importance of accountability for all, including the government.

Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted of multiple counts of bank fraud and tax evasion, stemming from their reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best'.

The family and their attorney argued for a new trial, questioning the truthfulness of a witness and the prosecution's knowledge of it.

Savannah has taken on the role of legal guardian for her teenage brother Grayson and 11-year-old niece Khloe since her parents' incarceration.

She discusses the emotional toll of holidays without her parents and the difficulty of maintaining normalcy for her siblings.

Savannah's new boyfriend, Robert Shyer, supports her in court; his ex-wife is charged with plotting to murder him.

The Chrisleys' reality show was cancelled after their indictment, leading to a significant shift in their public image.

Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years and Julie to seven years in prison for their crimes.

The family's attorney, Alex Little, argues that there was insufficient evidence for a conviction and that the system allows for appeals in such cases.

Savannah is advocating for her parents' release, stating her belief in their innocence and the need for a fair legal process.

Todd and Julie have complained about the conditions they are facing in prison, with Todd describing the environment as filthy.

The Bureau of Prisons responded to the allegations, emphasizing their commitment to providing quality food and a healthy environment.

Savannah is producing a new podcast, 'Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley', where she shares her personal journey and emotions.

She is also working on a third reality show that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at her life while her parents are in prison.

Savannah expresses her hope that the reality show can capture her parents' return home and that she can achieve personal milestones with them present.

Transcripts

00:00

Savannah christle is doing everything

00:02

she can to get her parents out of prison

00:05

how are you feeling going into this you

00:07

know what feeling hopeful prayerful um

00:11

that's all that we can do the reality

00:14

show star arriving at the federal

00:15

courthouse in Atlanta today her family

00:18

and new boyfriend by her side to plead

00:20

her parents' case just fighting for my

00:23

parents is what this is all about and

00:27

I'm just hopeful and prayerful that

00:30

these judges have the hearts and the

00:33

minds to see what's really going on

00:35

Savannah's parents are Todd and Julie

00:37

chrisly the one high-flying couple of

00:40

the reality show chrisly knows best

00:42

we're not perfect but perfect should be

00:44

something you should strive to be but

00:46

now they're serving stiff prison

00:48

sentences after being convicted of

00:50

multiple counts of defrauding Banks and

00:52

evading taxes are you f called up

00:55

they're okay yeah they they try to make

00:57

the best of it but it's rough during the

01:00

30-minute hearing the christle family

01:02

and their attorney argued that Todd and

01:03

Julie deserve a new trial the primary

01:06

issue that we were arguing about today

01:07

is the question of whether one of the

01:08

witnesses testified falsely whether the

01:10

prosecution had any knowledge of that it

01:12

was a step to getting my parents home

01:13

because I believe in Law and Order I

01:16

believe that we should have a system

01:18

that holds people accountable but I also

01:20

believe that the government should be

01:21

held accountable as well a former Miss

01:24

Tennessee Teen USA it's going to be an

01:26

exciting Year please take your first

01:28

walk look you're in a party Savannah

01:31

this ain't no damn party it's a car wash

01:33

Savannah came of age on reality tv as a

01:36

precocious adolescent turn the AR to be

01:39

emerged I'm going to pun you in your

01:41

face is what's going to

01:43

happen and now at 26 years old she's

01:46

trying to hold her family together

01:48

taking her siblings to visit their

01:49

parents in prison we just switch off

01:52

between Mom and Dad and so what are

01:54

those visits like we go we sit we laugh

01:57

we walk you know we walk around

02:00

and we just try to have a little bit of

02:03

normaly Savannah is now the legal

02:06

guardian for her teenage brother grayon

02:08

and 11-year-old niece Khloe who her

02:10

parents were raising we have run into an

02:13

issue I she wants me to wear deod so I

02:16

moved out at 17 they all lived together

02:18

at her home in Nashville which she says

02:20

she bought with her own reality show

02:22

[Music]

02:24

earnings was there ever any doubt that

02:27

you would raise great and Chloe I think

02:31

it was just an

02:32

unspoken thing that we just knew what's

02:35

life been like carrying on without them

02:38

I mean you you've had to have holidays

02:40

without them that was the hardest part

02:41

was at Christmas of you know asking the

02:45

kids like any other parent does like

02:46

what do you want for Christmas and they

02:48

look at you and say I don't want

02:50

anything like I can't have what I want

02:52

and you're like got it you can't fill a

02:55

hole in their heart yeah you can't

02:58

through it all Savannah is staying

02:59

grounded with the help of loved ones

03:02

after losing her former fiance in a

03:04

motorcycle crash last year she found new

03:06

love in Robert Shyer who was with her in

03:09

court today shiver's former wife of 13

03:12

years stands charged of plotting to

03:14

murder him in the Bahamas she pled not

03:16

guilty and maintains her innocence she

03:19

is now out on bail your life seems so

03:21

unreal in so many ways right I mean the

03:24

way you grew up what happened to your

03:26

parents and then you date a guy whose

03:29

wife is charged with trying to kill him

03:32

how do you talk to the young people in

03:35

your life about that I think you know

03:38

for me that is Robert's situation I

03:43

never want to be the cause of his

03:46

children's hurt ever so when it comes to

03:49

their mother they have a mother and I

03:52

hope that she can show up for them and

03:56

the legal course just has to run its

03:58

course she reached out to him on social

04:00

media after hearing about the alleged

04:02

plot is it true that you slipped into

04:04

his DMs I did I love me some social

04:07

media what can I say and when just his

04:10

whole world kind of started changing and

04:13

so I just reached out and was like Hey I

04:14

know how it feels to be in the public

04:16

eye and not for what you want to be in

04:18

the public Eye For

04:21

answers Savannah has been in the public

04:23

eye since 2014 when christle knows best

04:26

debuted it eventually became one of the

04:28

USA Network most successful shows

04:31

running for 10 seasons you going to

04:33

really wash all that you're going to

04:35

wash your drawers with your shirt that

04:36

you pull over your head I've never done

04:38

laundry I don't know what you want to do

04:40

divor divor family drama the lifeblood

04:43

of the show nothing about life is fair

04:46

the christle projecting a squeaky clean

04:48

image amidst a life of luxury welcome to

04:51

Mr Chrisley's debate class Prada is

04:54

better than Gucci Gucci's better than

04:55

Prada I don't even know what Prada is

04:58

are you kidding me right now

05:00

but then it all came crashing down in

05:03

2019 Todd and Julie were indicted on 12

05:06

counts of bank and wire fraud tax

05:08

evasion and conspiracy Federal

05:10

prosecutors saying the Christley have

05:12

built an Empire based on the LIE that

05:14

their wealth came from dedication and

05:16

hard work and calling them career

05:19

swindlers they spent that money on

05:21

luxury cars designer clothes real estate

05:23

and travel and used new fraudulent loans

05:26

to pay back old ones and as the reality

05:29

St s were starting to shine prosecutors

05:32

say the Christley failed to file or pay

05:34

taxes from 2013 to

05:36

2016 we have been cancelled our show was

05:39

cancelled everyone turned their backs

05:41

and you really can't get much more

05:44

cancelled than that Todd sounding

05:46

defiant on an episode of his podcast

05:48

christly confessions if anyone even knew

05:52

truly what has going on in our life the

05:55

things that that have happened and how

05:57

we still have to keep fighting

06:00

and then and then they want to sit and

06:01

talk about you know go pay your taxes

06:04

dude shut up I've paid more taxes than

06:06

you've ever earned in 2022 after nearly

06:09

a 3-week trial Todd was sentenced to 12

06:12

years in prison and Julie to seven what

06:15

do you say to folks who might think they

06:18

deserve to serve time hard time we're

06:22

not tough on tough crime we're tough on

06:26

white collar crime money means more

06:30

than a human life at the air at the

06:32

place we're at right now if you say

06:35

someone stole $17 million what is

06:38

imprisoning them for $60,000 a year

06:42

going to do it's costing taxpayers even

06:45

more money to imprison them and you're

06:48

not getting any of the money back I

06:51

think for me when people say they were

06:52

convicted I say if you want to convict

06:54

them convict them but convict them on

06:56

the truth there was not sufficient

06:58

evidence so you're convinced they're not

07:01

guilty 100% Alex little is the family's

07:04

attorney what would you say to those in

07:06

the public who are convinced that once

07:08

you get a conviction Todd and Julie are

07:10

convicted they're guilty and they should

07:11

serve time look that's not how our

07:13

system works there's a reason we have

07:14

appeals there's a reason we know of

07:16

people who are wrongfully convicted who

07:18

get out all the time so our system has

07:19

flaws and so part of our job is to show

07:22

when those flaws affect a conviction

07:24

like this Savannah's father is serving

07:26

his time in a minimum security prison in

07:28

Florida while her mother is behind bars

07:31

at a federal Medical Center in Kentucky

07:33

what was it like for them to say goodbye

07:35

it was tough just watch them stand at

07:37

their bedroom just hugging and kissing

07:40

and not knowing then they left us all

07:43

videos what was the message to you you

07:46

can do this you shouldn't have to so

07:49

proud of you I think my dad's exact

07:51

words were you are what every father

07:55

wants for a daughter and

07:59

this is now what my life is f with their

08:02

daughter relentlessly advocating on

08:04

their behalf I've got like a whole thing

08:08

right

08:10

here I'm just baffled first off at what

08:13

I'm about to say while in prison Todd

08:16

and Julie have complained about poor

08:17

conditions Behind Bars Todd phoning in

08:20

to news Nation from confinement it is so

08:23

disgustingly filthy the food is

08:26

literally I'm not exaggerating this the

08:28

food is dat it's out of date by at

08:32

minimum a year in a statement to ABC

08:34

news about the Chrisley's allegations

08:36

the Bureau of Prison saying they do not

08:38

comment on particular individuals but

08:41

writing in part that the quality of food

08:43

served is a priority and their mission

08:45

is to provide healthy nutritionally

08:47

sound and appetizing meals all right

08:49

guys we're back today Savannah continues

08:52

to share the ups and downs of her life

08:54

today was a hard day for

08:56

me I miss my mom and daddy so much

09:00

pouring out her feelings alongside her

09:01

teenage brother Grayson in her new

09:04

Podcast Unlocked with Savannah christle

09:07

what is the first thing you want to do

09:09

together when your family can reunite I

09:12

don't I don't really get my hopes up so

09:14

then it makes me hope it's soon it's

09:16

probably not so I don't think about

09:19

it Savannah even has a third christly

09:22

show in the works a behind the-scenes

09:24

look at her life while her parents are

09:26

still behind bars do you think your

09:28

parents will be involved in the reality

09:30

show I hope and pray that the show can

09:32

capture mom and dad coming home that is

09:35

my like hope and I dream I have to keep

09:38

working as hard as I can work so that my

09:41

parents are home before I ever get

09:43

married before I have a kid I want them

09:45

home for those

09:49

things hi everyone George Stephanopoulos

09:51

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09:52

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10:00

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10:01

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10:03

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Tags associés
Reality ShowFamily AdvocacyLegal BattleBank FraudTax EvasionCelebrity TrialsAtlanta CourtChrisley Knows BestPublic FigureFamily DynamicsPrison ConditionsReality TV
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