Kandi Burruss Reveals She Wrote a Letter of Support for Todd Chrisley — Contents Will Shock You
Kandi Burruss says her friendship with Todd Chrisley predates the headlines—and it didn’t waver during his legal fight.
Appearing on the Aug. 13 episode of the Chrisleys’ rebooted podcast, the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum shared that she quietly advocated for him with a supportive letter that she wrote to the judge before his sentencing.
“We were constantly communicating, and I even sent a letter for you,” she told Todd, who answered, “To the judge, that’s right.”
The appearance comes after a significant turn in the Chrisley case. According to the Department of Justice, Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 on bank fraud and tax evasion charges after a 2019 indictment and reported to federal prison in January 2023. They received full presidential pardons in late May 2025 and were released shortly after.
Burruss framed the relationship as one built on loyalty rather than politics or identity. As she put it, people often try to read motives into friendships, but she believes support shouldn’t hinge on “race” or “political affiliation.” (Although neither party declared their political affiliation, Burruss’s comment implied that they are not “on the same side.”)
Her message on the podcast echoed that stance: if she considers someone a friend, she intends to “have your back.”
Burruss also acknowledged that she didn’t need every case detail to extend support, emphasizing that her priority was wishing “what’s best” for a longtime friend and celebrating his return home.
Todd, for his part, thanked her and admitted he felt bad seeing a friend catch criticism for publicly backing him.
On the same podcast episode, the couple reflected on their time behind bars, contrasting their experiences and adjusting to life post-release. The show—now billed as Chrisley Confessions 2.0—has become the family’s primary platform for addressing the case, their reunion, and reactions across their fan base.
“People don’t understand that we actually have a friendship,” Burruss explained. “My thing is people always try to make it about race or they make it about political affiliation or whatever. We don’t have to have the same political affiliation. We don’t have to be the same race. If I’m your friend, I’m your friend. It doesn’t matter. I’m supposed to have your back.”
In May, Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley, were pardoned by President Donald Trump in their bank fraud and tax evasion case.
The Chrisley Knows Best stars were first indicted in 2019 on charges of tax evasion, bank and wire fraud and conspiracy. In January 2023, the couple reported to prison to serve a combined 19-year sentence after being found guilty.
The pair have maintained their innocence, with Todd telling reporters in May that, “Even though this pardon has happened, I still was convicted of something that I did not do.”
During the podcast, Burruss seemingly acknowledged that she didn’t know all the details about the Chrisleys’ case. Instead, she simply wanted to be a supportive friend.
“I don’t necessarily need to know the details of whatever was going on,” she explained. “At the end of the day, I want what’s best for you. … When you came home, I was excited and I definitely put in the comments, ‘Yay! Congratulations,’ because I’m excited and I’m not going to let anyone make me feel bad for that.”
While Todd expressed gratitude to his longtime friend, he didn’t appreciate the critics who questioned why Burruss was being vocal about her views.
“I felt bad because I love you so much and I said to Julie, ‘My heart breaks for her because I never want my friends to be in a position to defend me,’” Todd said. “I don’t want to bring that burden into the friendship. I want to bring joy into your life.”
