Jussie Smollett #84

Early Life and Career

Jussie Smollett was born in Santa Rosa, California, into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in films like The Mighty Ducks (1992) and North (1994). In the mid-1990s, he starred alongside his siblings in the ABC sitcom On Our Own.

After taking a break from acting, Smollett returned to the spotlight in 2012 with a leading role in the LGBT-themed comedy-drama The Skinny. His big break came in 2014 when he was cast as Jamal Lyon, a gay musician struggling with his father's disapproval, on the hit TV show Empire. The role was praised for its positive portrayal of a Black gay man on mainstream television, and it made Smollett a household name.

In addition to his acting, Smollett pursued a music career, releasing an EP titled The Poisoned Hearts Club in 2012 and his debut album, Sum of My Music, in 2018.

The 2019 Hate Crime Hoax and Legal Issues

In January 2019, Jussie Smollett reported to the Chicago police that he had been the victim of a hate crime. He claimed that two men attacked him, used racial and homophobic slurs, poured a chemical substance on him, and tied a noose around his neck. The case initially garnered widespread sympathy and media attention.

However, as the investigation unfolded, evidence emerged that Smollett had staged the attack. The police determined that Smollett had paid two brothers, who were acquaintances from his work on Empire, to carry out the hoax. The motive, according to investigators, was to gain public attention and further his career.

On February 20, 2019, Smollett was charged with a class 4 felony for filing a false police report. Although the charges were initially dropped in March 2019 after Smollett agreed to perform community service and forfeit his bond, the decision to drop the charges sparked public outcry and allegations of favoritism.

A special prosecutor was appointed to re-examine the case, and in February 2020, Smollett was indicted again on six counts of felony disorderly conduct for making false police reports. His trial began in November 2021, and on December 9, 2021, Smollett was found guilty on five of the six counts.

Conviction and Sentence

On March 10, 2022, Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in county jail, 30 months of probation, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to the city of Chicago, as well as a $25,000 fine. Smollett's legal team immediately filed an appeal, and on March 16, 2022, he was released from jail on a $150,000 bond pending the appeal.

In December 2023, the Illinois Appellate Court upheld Smollett's conviction in a 2-1 decision, requiring him to complete his 150-day jail sentence. In March 2024, the Supreme Court of Illinois announced it would hear Smollett's appeal, although no date was set for the hearing.

Personal Life

Jussie Smollett publicly came out as gay during a 2015 interview with Ellen DeGeneres. He has been open about his sexuality and has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and issues. Smollett's role on Empire and his personal experiences contributed to discussions about sexual fluidity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Smollett's legal troubles began before the 2019 incident. In 2007, he pleaded no contest to providing false information to law enforcement during a DUI stop, where he gave police a false name, pretended to be his brother, and was subsequently sentenced to three years of probation and fined.

Legacy

Jussie Smollett's career, once on a rapid rise due to his groundbreaking role on Empire, has been overshadowed by the 2019 hate crime hoax. The case became a significant cultural moment, sparking debates about race, homophobia, and the justice system in America. While his acting and music careers were noteworthy, his legal issues have significantly impacted his public image and career trajectory.