The popular ITV singing competition, The Masked Singer, has ignited a significant fan backlash following the controversial unmasking of convicted tax evaders Todd and Julie Chrisley during its latest episode.
A Controversial Reveal Sparks Outrage
During Wednesday night's episode of the show's fourteenth season, the duo performing as the 'Croissants' were revealed to be the American reality TV stars. The couple, aged 56 and 52 respectively, had previously hinted at their identities with a performance of 'Jailhouse Rock' and clues about being 'canceled' and separated by fate.
However, the moment their pastry heads were removed, a wave of criticism flooded the show's official Instagram account. Fans condemned the decision to platform the couple, labelling it 'disgusting' and 'stupid'. One viewer commented, 'Should be in jail but on Masked Singer. I will pass this season and all the rest,' while another addressed producers directly: 'You guys — this was a really stupid decision and reeked of desperation.'
A History of Fraud and a Presidential Pardon
The intense reaction stems from the Chrisleys' well-documented legal troubles. In 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were both convicted for orchestrating a $30 million bank fraud and tax evasion scheme. They began serving their multi-year prison sentences in 2023.
Their release came in May 2025, following a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. The pardon was secured after a public campaign led by their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, 28. When questioned about remorse after his release, Todd Chrisley firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating, 'I would have remorse if it was something that I did.'
Not the First Casting Controversy
This incident is not an isolated one for The Masked Singer. The show has previously faced scrutiny over its choice of contestants. In 2022, the show was hit with backlash after Rudy Giuliani was unmasked as Jack in the Box. Prior to that, in 2020, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin appeared as the Bear, drawing similar criticism.
The casting of the Chrisleys, given their recent fraud conviction and pardon, has amplified debates about providing a platform to controversial figures in entertainment. With fans pleading for 'no more controversial unmaskings,' the producers face renewed questions about their selection process for the whimsical competition.
