What is the Jussie Smollett ‘hate crime hoax’ and what is the former Empire actor doing now?
Jussie Smollett is the subjct of Netflix’s The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (Gilbert Flores/Getty)
Jussie Smollett is the subjct of Netflix's The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (Gilbert Flores/Getty)
Gay actor and singer Jussie Smollett is back in the spotlight after Netflix released The Truth About Jussie Smollett?
The 43-year-old, previously known for starring in the music drama Empire, has been the subject of controversy since 2019, when he staged what’s been described as a “hate crime hoax.”
However, he’s now trying to rebuild his career with new projects.
The Truth About Jussie Smollett? was released on Friday (22 August) and debuted to mixed reactions.
The film sees Smollett’s first extended on-camera account of the case. Alongside this, there are interviews with Chicago police officials, journalists, lawyers, and two people at the very heart of the case, the Osundairo brothers, all of which ask the audience to make up their own minds.
In the film, Jussie Smollett also maintains his innocence. He stated: “My story has never changed. My story has remained intact. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether someone likes me or doesn’t like me… The fact is, I didn’t do that. And that’s all that matters.”
What was Jussie Smollett charged with?
In January 2019, Smollett reported to the police that two men shouted homophobic, racist slurs, beat him and looped a makeshift noose around his neck.
Ultimately, it was determined that Smollett planned the “hate crime” with Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who had worked with him on Empire.
In 2020, Smollett was re-indicted. He insisted he was a “real victim” of a “real crime.”
In December of 2021, a jury found Smollett guilty of five charges of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 30 months of probation, including 150 days in jail.
He served just six days before being released. Additionally, his legal team called for an emergency release after alleged rape threats.
Additionally, celebrities including Indya Moore and Taraji P Henson called for his release.
In 2024, he took his case to the Illinois Supreme Court to have his conviction overturned.
The court cited Smollett’s second prosecution after his charges were first dropped as the main factor for overturning the conviction.
However, these prosecutors did not make a factual finding regarding his innocence or guilt.
What is Jussie Smollett’s net worth?
As of 2025, Smollett reportedly has a net worth of $300,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
What is Jussie Smollett doing now?
Even while he was embroiled in these legal battles, Smollett was still pushing to create music and movies.
After his release from jail, he maintained his innocence and released a song claiming that authorities “got the wrong one”.
Then, he wrote and directed B-Boy Blues, a film based on a novel of the same name by James Earl Hardy. B-Boy Blues charted two Black gay men in New York City as they find love and experience heart-rending tragedy.
Once again, Smollett is trying to rebuild his image. He’s set to appear as a contestant on season four of the reality series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. The series will be released on September 25.
Smollett is also diving back into music. He recently released a single called “Break Out.” The retro track sees him singing about the need to “show each other love.” He’s also signed to Rowdy Records.
He has also returned to the cinema screen with The Lost Holiday, which he wrote, directed, stars in and soundtracks. The film was released on Amazon Prime in May.
The film follows a mother arriving to the plan a funeral for her estranged son, to find her son’s husband (Smollett) already handling funeral arrangements.
Last month, Smollett shared his engagement to New York actor and producer Jabari Redd.
He proposed in Florence, Italy and shared images of getting down on one knee on Instagram.
