Reality TV star Todd Chrisley has broken his silence from jail to reveal the shocking conditions he faces as he serves time for tax evasion and bank fraud.

The 54-year-old, who rose to fame on the show Chrisley Knows Best, spoke to NewsNation's Chris Cuomo on Friday in his first interview from the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Florida.

He claimed he was being targeted by the guards, who wanted to 'humble' him for his lavish lifestyle before he was imprisoned.

He also said he received a photo of himself sleeping in his cell, sent by an inmate to his daughter Savannah, who demanded $2,600 a month to protect him.

Chrisley said he was living in a 'disgustingly filthy' facility, where the food was rotten, the rats were rampant, and a dead cat was found in the storage area.

He also said he was not allowed to speak to his wife Julie, who is also serving time for the same charges, and that their emails were delayed or blocked by the prison staff.

Chrisley and his wife were sentenced to prison last year, after they were found guilty of evading taxes and defrauding banks for millions of dollars.

They maintained their innocence and blamed a former employee for the crimes.

Chrisley said he was hopeful that his appeal would be successful and that he would be released soon.

He also thanked his fans for their support and prayers.

'I'm not going to let this break me,' he said. 'I'm going to come out of this stronger and better than ever.'