Jelly Roll opens up about felony conviction, getting turned down for homes in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — In an emotional interview on the Joe Rogan Experience last week, country music artist Jelly Roll opened up about his felony conviction and how it’s affecting his life as a budding superstar.
It was the first time the Nashville native, who swept the CMT Music Awards last month, publicly discussed his inexpungable felony.
The star says he was 15 years old when he “robbed a couple of guys for some weed.”
“I spent my 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th birthdays incarcerated."
Jelly Roll said the armed robbery is something he regrets every day of his life — even now as he sells out arenas.
“Because the state of Tennessee has a zero-forgiveness policy on violent offenders, I’ve carried that felony for 20 something years,” he said.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, says he and his wife found their dream home and had their offer accepted, but they were still unable to purchase the home.
“I go to buy my dream home – guard-gated community, golf course. I’m crying Joe, they accept my offer. Everything’s going great. I’m like, ‘This ain’t gonna be real.’ They turn around and say, ‘No, the golf course won’t let a felon be a part of the community.”
Because of his past, the singer's philanthropic efforts are now invested in at-risk juveniles across Nashville.
Watch the full interview here.
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