When "Chrisley Knows Best" first premiered in 2014, fans were introduced to the
chaotic-but-lovable Chrisley family, following their adventures as they navigated life in the
South. Parents Todd and Julie have been raising their children — Savannah, Chase, and Grayson,
along with their granddaughter, Chloe — on-screen for eight seasons.
And between the growing pains and the crazy, comedic antics of Todd's mother,
Nanny Faye, there's something about the Chrisleys that keeps us glued to our screens.
"Well you just think you're all that and a bag a chips and some more."
"I'm breakfast, lunch and dinner, and dessert twice a week."
Todd Chrisley, in particular, has gained quite a bit of attention since the show first started.
And despite being happily married to Julie since 1996, Todd's orientation has come under scrutiny
for years. While his portrayal on the show hits viewers over the head with his overtly
intimate relationship with Julie, Todd is well aware of the things that have
been said about his supposed preferences — and he's not afraid to clear the air.
Todd has spoken out on the topic over the years — but his own family has pretty much
only added fuel to the fire. Todd's son, Kyle, told InTouch in 2014 that
he believes his father is gay and was also allegedly sleeping with an unnamed doctor.
"All oxygen was cut off to your brain at the time that you did that."
Todd's once-estranged son from his first marriage alleged,
"I think my father is gay. I used to work with him at Chrisley Asset
Management. If one of the asset managers was going to take a p---, he would say,
'You want me to come hold it for you?' It makes you wonder. It's time the truth comes out."
While fans could certainly write that off as being on-brand for Todd's sense of humor,
Todd himself rebutted the claims on The Domenick Nati Show in 2017. He said,
"I'm flattered that people think I can get laid on both ends. So,
that doesn't bother me. And my wife certainly is flattered that as many men want her husband
as there are women. With that being said, I'm never going
to have a drought. You on the other hand, might. But Todd will never have a drought."
"Everyone needs more Todd."
But that clearly wasn't enough to put a stop to the rumors. Kyle may have stoked the flames,
but as it turns out, Todd had been badgered about his private life long before his son's
allegations. In 2014, Todd seemingly denied it all in a blanket statement, telling People,
"There's no 'coming out.' What you see is what you get. I am what I am. Other
people's opinions of me are just not my business."
"Take your legs out to a giant 'V.'" "Well, honey, if I could do that, I'd have a husband."
While his wife Julie has stayed relatively silent about the rumors surrounding her husband's love
life, Todd's first wife came to his defense. Todd and his ex-wife, Teresa, separated in 1996. But
even so, she has maintained that the rumors are false. She told the Daily Mail in 2014,
"I know there are reports saying that he's gay and I can see why.
But I married him and I had two children with him so obviously I don't think he's gay.
If he comes out of the closet [on the show] I'll be shocked."
"Sorry, no privacy."
It's clear that at least Todd and his ex-wife want to put these rumors to rest,
but that doesn't seem to be enough
for the internet. People reported that Todd shut down a homophobic troll on Instagram,
after the troll called him gay and described his daughter Savannah as "ugly," in September 2020.
The commenter referred to the Chrisley patriarch with a slur, adding directly to Savannah,
"America sees that your dad is gay. The more he keeps denying [it], it will manifest itself."
Ever the most game for a solid comeback, clapback, and take-down, Todd quickly responded with:
"'F--- off.' […] You have some nerve to come at my daughter but after reviewing your profile,
I see where the jealousy comes from. […] I get that you don't have my DNA,
but that's your mama's fault for not meeting me before she met your dad."
"Viper venom is nowhere near as lethal as Chrisley venom."
While we don't imagine the speculation on Todd's love life will die down
as long as "Chrisley Knows Best" is still on the air, at this point,
we know Todd well enough to be sure that he's gonna go on living his life however he wants.
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