Kim Kardashian posts $500K bail for Richard Glossip, freeing him after 29 years on Oklahoma death row in a controversial murder case.
- May 16, 2026
AceShowbiz - Kim Kardashian has recently invested $500,000 to secure the release of Richard Glossip, a man who spent 29 years on Oklahoma's death row.
This week, Richard Glossip was released from prison for the first time since 1997 after Kim Kardashian posted his bail. His freedom marks a significant moment in a case that has long highlighted issues within the criminal justice system.
Film producer Scott Budnick shared the news on Instagram, posting photos of Glossip’s release and writing, "AFTER 29 YEARS INNOCENT ON OKLAHOMA'S DEATH ROW - RICHARD GLOSSIP WALKED OUT AS A FREE MAN THIS AFTERNOON!!!!"
The case against Glossip centers on the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese, a motel owner where Glossip was employed as a manager. Prosecutors argued that Glossip hired a man to kill Van Treese by beating him with a baseball bat. The man who committed the murder, Justin Sneed, was a teenager with a meth addiction who testified against Glossip in exchange for a reduced sentence.
However, the testimony from Sneed, which was the foundation of the prosecution’s case, was later found to be false. The Supreme Court overturned Glossip’s conviction last year after determining that prosecutors knowingly allowed Sneed to lie during the trial, violating Glossip's constitutional right to a fair trial.
During his nearly three decades on death row, Glossip faced nine scheduled execution dates and was even served his last meal three times. Despite these severe psychological pressures, he continued to fight for his innocence.
According to reports from TMZ, prosecutors plan to retry Glossip for the murder but have decided not to seek the death penalty in the upcoming case.
Kardashian’s involvement aligns with her ongoing criminal justice reform advocacy, a cause she has passionately supported over recent years. She is joined in backing Glossip by other public figures such as actress Susan Sarandon, who has been vocal about his innocence and the flaws in his conviction.
The state of Oklahoma now faces a critical decision: to pursue a new trial to prove the case against Glossip or to release him entirely. The recent bail decision by the judge casts serious doubt on the prosecution's ability to successfully move forward.
