The Chrisley family, long a staple of reality television, is once again in the spotlight—but this time, not for their luxurious lifestyle or family drama, but for allegations that have rocked the very foundation of

their personal lives. On the latest episode of The Chrisleys: Back to Reality, airing September 2 on Lifetime, the family addressed explosive rumors questioning Todd Chrisley’s sexuality, shedding light on accusations,

denials, and the unshakable bond between Todd and his wife Julie. The allegations stem from the 2022 federal fraud trial of Todd and Julie Chrisley, during which Todd’s former business associate,

Mark Braddock, claimed to have had a secret affair with the Chrisley Knows Best star. Braddock further alleged that the couple had paid a blackmailer to keep the relationship under wraps, a claim that immediately sent shockwaves through the reality TV world and fueled tabloid speculation.

But on the Lifetime docuseries, Julie Chrisley firmly put the rumors to rest. “I know who I’m married to,” she stated. “At the end of the day, okay. You can think whatever you want of him because he knows who he is.” Her words underscore not only her unwavering support for Todd but also the couple’s effort to maintain their family unity in the face of public scrutiny.

Todd’s Response: Denial and Dismissal

Todd Chrisley himself has consistently denied any involvement with Braddock or any same-sex relationship. In a prison phone call aired on The Chrisleys: Back to Reality, he emphasized the role of scandal in shaping public perception. “It’s important to understand that in the position that we’re in, scandal sells,” he explained, asserting that Braddock is the “only one” who has ever made such an allegation.

Further supporting Todd’s stance, Savannah Chrisley, his daughter with Julie, shared her initial reaction to Braddock’s claims. “During the trial, Mark made claims that he had a relationship with my father. We were all like, ‘You got to be effing kidding me,’” she recalled. Savannah emphasized the lack of evidence, highlighting the absence of text messages, phone calls, letters, or any verifiable proof that could substantiate the claims. “I don’t buy it,” she said.

Adding weight to the family’s defense, Todd’s former assistant Tonya Claytor, who has spent extensive time with the family, shared her perspective in the Lifetime docuseries. “I’ve traveled with him. I’ve stayed in his house. I’ve eaten dinner with them. I spend a lot of time with his family. Todd loves Julie. He loves his wife. Todd loves women,” Claytor said, leaving little room for doubt about the patriarch’s orientation.

Public Rebuttals and Sharp Humor

Todd’s response to the allegations hasn’t been limited to Lifetime interviews. In a recent appearance on Kandi Burruss’ Speak On It podcast, he addressed the matter directly and with his signature blunt humor: “Let’s just be very clear: If I had f***** him once, he’d have come back for seconds. He said it was a one-time thing, thinks it was an experiment. You ain’t experimenting on s***! I don’t need to experiment giving head. If I wanted to give head, I’d give head.”

He has also discussed the topic on previous podcasts, including a 2023 episode of Chrisley Confessions with his son Chase Chrisley, combining denial with comedy to disarm critics. “What’s insulted me the most is that, out of all these 54 years, for me to finally be accused of being with a man, it would be someone who looked like Mark Braddock,” Todd joked. “A toad. Someone that looks like a thumb. Someone who says he’s only had sex with his wife and me.” He continued, adding in his unique brand of humor, “Let me tell you something. I could understand if you’d have had sex with me, it would [make] you crazy. I get that. There have been many who have been [d***-mitized] by your daddy.”

This combination of humor, outright denial, and transparency is a hallmark of the Chrisleys’ public image, balancing scandal with entertainment while also asserting a personal truth.

The Context of Todd and Julie’s Relationship

Todd and Julie Chrisley have been married since 1996, navigating decades of family challenges, public scrutiny, and personal controversies together. The couple’s life has been thoroughly documented on reality TV—from the early days of Chrisley Knows Best, through spinoffs like Growing Up Chrisley and What’s Cooking With Julie?, to the latest Lifetime series. Their shared experience includes raising children Savannah, Chase, and Grayson, adopting Kyle’s daughter Chloe, and maintaining a public image of wealth, style, and close-knit family ties.

Their marriage was further tested during their 2022 federal conviction for bank and tax fraud, which resulted in combined prison sentences of 19 years. They served just over two years before receiving full pardons from former President Donald Trump on May 27, 2025. Throughout the legal proceedings, the couple’s unity and dedication to family became central narratives, even as allegations like Braddock’s threatened to tarnish their reputation.

Family Perspectives

Savannah’s comments highlight how family members process these types of allegations. As a young adult who has grown up in the public eye, she is no stranger to media scrutiny and understands the importance of evidence-based judgment. Her insistence on tangible proof before believing Braddock’s claims speaks not only to her loyalty but also to the broader challenges of growing up Chrisley under constant public observation.

The family’s extended support network, including assistants, close friends, and collaborators, reinforces the image of a tightly knit unit. They consistently vouch for the authenticity of Todd and Julie’s relationship, presenting a unified front in the face of controversy.

The Scandal Factor

Todd’s point that “scandal sells” is especially relevant in the context of reality television. The Chrisleys have built a brand around drama, entertainment, and luxury—but rumors and allegations can escalate quickly, blurring the line between fact and fiction. In this environment, public perception can be as influential as legal verdicts or personal truths, making transparency and humor essential tools for maintaining credibility and protecting family bonds.

Looking Forward

As The Chrisleys: Back to Reality continues, viewers can expect the family to address both the allegations and their ongoing life adjustments after returning from prison. The series has become a platform for Todd and Julie to clarify their narrative, reinforce family values, and showcase their resilience in the face of scandal.

For Todd Chrisley, the question of sexuality may be less about personal identity and more about navigating the intersection of fame, family, and public speculation. His direct responses, combined with Julie’s unwavering support, illustrate a strategy of confronting rumors head-on while maintaining the family’s image and dignity.

Conclusion

The Chrisley family story has always been as much about survival and loyalty as it is about wealth and entertainment. The recent allegations regarding Todd Chrisley’s sexuality could have caused fractures in the family, but instead, they have highlighted the resilience, humor, and unity that define the Chrisleys. Julie Chrisley’s bold declaration of confidence in her husband, Todd’s comedic yet pointed denials, and Savannah’s insistence on evidence-based judgment together present a family confronting scandal with transparency and strength.

As viewers tune in to The Chrisleys: Back to Reality, one thing is clear: no rumor, allegation, or blackmail claim can overshadow the central bond of the Chrisley family. Todd Chrisley may be a reality TV star, but at the heart of the headlines is a husband, father, and patriarch whose relationships with his wife and children continue to define the Chrisley legacy.