Approximately 6 years have passed since the suspicion of directing racist and homophobic attacks Jussie Smollett, who accused himself and was convicted two years later of five felony counts of disorderly conduct, is more determined than ever to fight for his truth and rebuild his Hollywood career. It seems there is.
But experts say the 42-year-old actor, who recently returned to the silver screen with his new film Lost Holiday, has not only hit “rock bottom” in his professional career, but Smollett said: There is. A new level of “delusion” for lawyers trying to maintain their innocence.
“He's already hit bottom. It's going to take a while for him to push up the floor and actually start coming back to the surface,” Achilles PR founder Doug Eldridge told FOX News Digital. “That being said, you can give up and rise to the top, or you can swim against the tide and come back to the top. But your career will pulsate in one of these two scenarios. That’s it.”
Watch “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax”
Jussie Smollett was found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct in 2021. (Everett Collection/Getty Images)
“It's possible [Smollett may always be viewed as a liar]”The real question is whether his career will recover despite this,” Eldridge added.
Representatives for Mr. Smollett did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
“But his idea of continuing to 'fight for the truth' seems delusional to me.”
In a new interview with entertainment tonightMr. Smollett has maintained his innocence and said he will maintain his innocence no matter the cost.
“I want all of these things to happen in my life, and I don't want to have a felony on my record for something I didn't do,” Smollett told the outlet. “That's why we're fighting. I know on the surface it seems like, why isn't he serving time? Why isn't he just leaving this thing alone? In fact, he was doing that.” It would have been easier.'' If I had done it, I wouldn't have spent nearly $3 million of my own money. ”
Jassy continued to maintain his innocence throughout the trial, conviction, and appeal. (Amy Sussman)
“I have stood for the truth, not my truth, for almost six years,” he added. “I haven't changed my story. I haven't changed anything I've ever said. I stand by everything I've ever said. Anyone else in that situation. Each person has changed their story many times.” ”
But there's one problem, says Jean Roy, a former chief of detectives for the Chicago Police Department, whose story was “false from the beginning.”
“Mr. Giuset is absolutely correct that his story has never changed,” Roy told FOX News Digital. “But the problem is that his story was false all along. His story hasn't changed, but a diligent investigation by the Chicago Police Department uncovered the facts. And the facts are what matter. is.”
Smollett said he has not changed his story since 2019. (Nuccio DiNuzzo)
“You can overcome problems like this. There are countless Hollywood actors who have come into contact with the law, resolved their case, moved on with their lives, and returned to movies,” the Michigan trial lawyer said. jamie white Added information on White Law PLLC. “But his idea of continuing to 'fight for the truth' seems delusional to me.”
In January 2019, the “Empire” actor reported to Chicago police that he had been attacked by two men wearing ski masks. Smollett, an openly gay black man, is accused of orchestrating the attack on himself and lying to police about it. An investigation was launched and Smollett was eventually arrested.
The charges against him were dropped, but he was re-indicted a year later and convicted in 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct.
Jussie Smollett released after 6 days in jail
he sentenced The actor was also sentenced to 30 months of probation for the felony charge, $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago, and a $25,000 fine.
In March 2023, Mr. Smollett's legal team filed a brief of appeal. The case is currently being heard in Illinois state court.
“I really don't think there's anything more Jesse can do in the fight for truth,” Roy said. “At this time, the determination of his guilt or innocence rests in the hands of the Illinois Supreme Court.”
Smollett says that may not be an option for him when it comes to regaining public trust and rebuilding his career. Jonathan Alperta psychotherapist and author of the following books: “Be fearless: Change your life in 28 days.”
Smollett filed an appeal in 2023. (Nuccio DiNuzzo)
“In an interview with ET, Smollett said, “My truth.'' Well, 'my truth' isn't necessarily the actual truth, and that's something Jussie still hasn't accepted,” Alpert told FOX News Digital. “When celebrities and politicians are given second chances by fans and the public, it's usually after admitting wrongdoing, making amends, and apologizing. In Smollett's case, we see nothing of the sort. I'm not, I'm just rebelling.”
“In my opinion, had Smollett admitted his guilt earlier on and paid the price, he might have been forgiven by the public and had a better chance of having a successful career as a respected actor,” Alpert continued. Ta. “The crime and lies were terrible, but the public is tolerant and generally likes to see people improve, whether it's overcoming drug addiction, infidelity, or in Jassie's case, for simple reasons. It was an elaborate fake plan to make certain people look bad based on their skin color and political affiliation. ”
“However, Jussie has neither admitted guilt nor apologized,” he added. “If Smollett had taken a page out of a Hugh Grant or Will Smith script and pleaded guilty early on, he might have been forgiven and had a better chance of going on to a successful career as a respected actor. do not have.”
Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz, Tracy Wright and Larry Fink contributed to this post.
Jussie Smollett appeals hate crime conviction
