Julie Chrisley Says Prison Mold Caused Her Breathing Issues

• Julie Chrisley says she developed a lung condition due to exposure to black mold and asbestos while in prison.
• The reality star served over a year of a 28-month sentence at FMC Lexington for financial crimes.
• Her husband, Todd Chrisley, revealed she is undergoing treatment and testing by a pulmonary specialist.
• Julie described the prison environment as damp, mold-infested, and ignored by officials.
• The couple continues to speak out about alleged health and safety violations in the U.S. federal prison system.

Reality star Julie Chrisley, known from Chrisley Knows Best, has spoken out about a serious health issue she says began during her incarceration. According to Julie and her husband Todd Chrisley, the 51-year-old developed a lung condition while serving time at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Lexington, Kentucky. In a recent episode of the “Chrisley Confessions” podcast, which Todd now hosts from home following his own release to home confinement, the couple detailed disturbing conditions inside the prison that Julie alleges contributed to her declining health.

“I have a lung issue from being in there,” Julie revealed, saying she was exposed to black mold and asbestos during her stay. “You know what I’m talking about, Todd. It was in the showers, in the vents, and just sitting in the rooms for hours at a time, breathing that stuff in,” she said during the July 26 episode. She emphasized that her health has never been the same since entering the facility in January 2023.

Todd Chrisley Shares Concerns Over Julie’s Health

Todd, 55, echoed his wife’s concerns, saying he’s watched her health worsen since she was incarcerated. “She is seeing a pulmonary specialist now. We are not sure what the long-term effects are going to be, but we know something is not right,” he stated during the same podcast. “She didn’t have this before prison. That’s a fact.”

The Chrisleys have both been vocal about the conditions of the federal prison system, and Todd has previously alleged abuse and misconduct within the facilities where he and Julie served time. “When you see your wife go through this and know she didn’t deserve to be there in the first place,” Todd said, “you can’t just stay quiet.”

Julie was released from custody earlier than expected after serving over a year of her 28-month sentence for financial crimes. Although she’s now home, she continues to experience respiratory problems. According to her, the symptoms began with a persistent cough and shortness of breath that worsened over time. Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and had a double mastectomy. She also underwent a hysterectomy in 2013 before later sharing she was in remission.

Prison Conditions Under Scrutiny Again

The allegations come amid ongoing debates over conditions in U.S. federal prisons. FMC Lexington, where Julie served, has previously faced lawsuits and complaints about unsanitary environments. Inmates and families have raised concerns about toxic exposure and inadequate medical care.

Julie’s account adds another layer to these criticisms. She described her environment as “constantly damp,” saying, “We were sleeping in rooms where you could smell the mildew. And nobody was doing anything about it. When I tried to report it, I was told to stop complaining.”

Despite her current freedom, the long-term effects of those conditions remain unclear. “We’re doing scans, blood work, breathing tests—you name it,” Todd told listeners. “But it’s clear that this didn’t come out of nowhere.”

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