Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino Recalls Prison Experience While Praising Todd & Julie Chrisley's Pardon

Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino has weighed in on the media outrage regarding Todd and Julie Chrisley's early release from prison.

The reality TV star addressed the backlash as a former inmate, reflecting on his time behind bars and why he understood the criticisms against the Chrisleys' presidential pardon. Although he could see why many were upset, the MTV alum stressed that he was happy for the family's reunion.

The "Jersey Shore" star noted his loved ones were negatively impacted following his 2014 fall from grace when he was charged with tax fraud. More charges were levied against Mike Sorrentino and his brother, Marc, in 2017, resulting in an 8-month prison sentence and over $100,000 in restitution, as well as fines.

During a recent interview, Sorrentino addressed the Chrisleys' controversial pardon from a unique aspect. As a former inmate of Otisville Federal Correctional Facility and a man once found guilty of tax evasion, he could put himself in Todd and Julie's shoes.

"I can definitely relate to some of this story as I've spent eight months in prison, in Otisville Federal Correctional Facility, for tax evasion. I also got two years of probation. I got five hundred hours of community service, and I have completed everything, including, you know, restitution," Sorrentino told TMZ, adding:

"For them to get released earlier to get pardoned for me, you know, I'm like, wow. Good for the families. You know what I'm saying? Because, you know, they get to be reunited with their loved ones. I'm not sure that anyone that hasn't been in these shoes can't really relate."

Sorrentino stressed that he understood the public's outrage at Todd and Julie's early release thanks to President Donald Trump's pardon. However, as someone who paid the price for his crimes, he was not "mad" because he believed people should stay in their own lanes and run their own race.

The reality TV star's support for the Chrisleys stemmed from understanding their pain, especially the feelings of those left behind during their prison sentences. Sorrentino recalled that his incarceration, despite it being justified, had significantly impacted his family.

"The families, to a certain extent, get sent away as well, and it's so very sad. So I can see that aspect because I've had my freedom taken away from me, and it was very detrimental to my family," Sorrentino confessed.

He added that he would have accepted Trump's pardon if he were in the Chrisleys' shoes. However, he did not wish to change his past.

Sorrentino and his brother Marc were indicted for tax offenses and conspiring to defraud the United States in September 2014. They were accused of failing to pay taxes properly on the $8.9 million income they generated from 2010 to 2012.

They received additional charges in April 2017, but Sorrentino pled guilty to one count of false and fraudulent tax returns in January 2018. Nine months later, the entertainer was sentenced to eight months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, while his brother received a two-year prison term.

Sorrentino was also ordered to pay $123,913 in restitution and a $10,000 fine. He regained his freedom on September 12, 2019, but made headlines again a year later.

In December 2020, PEOPLE reported a judge had issued a written warning to Sorrentino following a complaint from his probation officer. The latter reported the TV personality to the court for failing to complete his 500 hours of community service and refusing to respond to their reminders.

While Sorrentino could accept Todd and Julie's early release from prison, actress Missi Pyle did not sympathize with the couple. The Blast reported that she slammed Trump for giving the pair their freedom, claiming the president was running the country like "The Apprentice 2.0."

Pyle claimed Trump saw Americans as his audience, making them guess who gets "booted" or "blessed" next. Her complaints continued, with suspicions that the Chrisleys and the POTUS were subtly orchestrating the country's direction. The entertainer's words matched Joe Exotic's recent arguments.

The incarcerated "Tiger King" star labeled the president's actions unfair in a series of tweets on X. He argued that, unlike the Chrisleys, who were found guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion, there was substantial evidence proving his innocence. Joe noted he was disappointed in Trump and implored him for his freedom.

The criticisms against the Chrisleys haven't stopped them from enjoying their presidential pardon, as Julie recently made her first public appearance since her release. As seen by pictures shared by TMZ, the media personality looked radiant as she basked in the glow of her newfound freedom.

The matriarch looked happy as she left a butcher's store in Nashville on Thursday, May 29, while running grocery errands. Despite her high spirits, the impact of her two-and-a-half years behind bars was evident, given the grey tints in her naturally brown hair compared to her signature blonde locks.

Julie initially faced a 7-year prison sentence for her crimes, while her husband was given 12 years. Two of their children picked them up from their respective prisons hours after Trump signed off on their pardons.

Savannah brought Todd home while Grayson collected Julie from the Federal Medical Center in Lexington on Wednesday night.

Will more celebrities like Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino stand by the Chrisleys?