Jussie Smollett Reflects on Support and Controversy
Jussie Smollett, known for his role in “Empire,” expressed feeling “very diminished” by the overwhelming support he received after he made allegations of assault. In a Netflix documentary titled “The Truth about Jussie Smollett?” he discussed the messages of support he encountered online following his claims of suffering racial and homophobic attacks back in January 2019.
The documentary features various news clips along with endorsements from high-profile figures such as Viola Davis, John Legend, and then Vice President Joe Biden, who stated that “Homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts.” It also includes President Donald Trump’s remarks, branding the alleged attack as “terrifying.”
Smollett remarked, “There was a moment when I went to social media and felt like I was being eulogized. I felt like I was dead. What people were saying was kind, but it was overwhelming.” He added, “It made me very uncomfortable and embarrassed. It was debilitating.”
As the documentary unfolds, Smollett attempts to navigate the swirl of questions that arose during the controversy. He mentioned not providing his phone to police and justified his late-night activity by suggesting it was something he often did.
Earlier, on the night of January 29, 2019, during a severe cold snap in Chicago, he claimed to have been attacked by two individuals wearing MAGA hats who hurled racist and homophobic epithets at him while he was out for a sandwich. According to Smollett, his assailants poured bleach on him and placed a rope around his neck.
This incident drew swift condemnation from many, including Senator Kamala Harris, who referred to it as “modern lynching.” The media coverage at the time largely reflected sympathy for Smollett’s claims, with “GMA” anchor Robin Roberts interviewing him with minimal skepticism.
However, it turned out to be a hoax. Law enforcement stated that Smollett orchestrated the attack, hiring two Nigerian brothers to assist him while wearing red hats. He faced charges related to his actions against the city of Chicago, was convicted, and served a short stint in prison before being released six days into a 150-day sentence.
His conviction was later overturned in 2024, and he reached a settlement with Chicago in May. Smollett has continued to deny any allegations of coordinating a hate crime and has maintained his stance on the matter.
