Kandi Burruss is opening up about her close friendship with Todd Chrisley.
“I always enjoyed talking to you. We always had a great friendship, even when you were going through what you were going through,” Burruss, 49, shared on the Wednesday, August 13, episode of the “Chrisley Confessions” podcast. “We were constantly communicating, and I even sent a letter for you.”
Chrisley, 56, replied, “To the judge, that’s right.”
The former Real Housewives of Atlanta star said she met Chrisley in 2014 at a work event. Ever since then, the pair remained in touch and were “constantly communicating” during his legal battle.
“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.”
