Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has publicly addressed his settlement with the City of Chicago, concluding a prolonged legal battle stemming from his 2019 hate crime allegations. As part of the agreement, Smollett has paid $50,000 to Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a nonprofit supporting Chicago youth, and an additional $10,000 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center.
Smollett emphasized that the settlement did not include an admission of guilt. He stated, “I have always maintained my innocence and continue to do so.” He criticized the city’s pursuit of what he described as a false narrative and expressed gratitude for the support he has received. Smollett highlighted the struggles of others who face wrongful accusations without the means to defend themselves. He closed his statement with appreciation for his supporters and a message of resilience: “Onward.”
Legal Journey and Public Perception of Jussie Smollett
In 2019, Smollett reported to Chicago police that he was the victim of a hate crime. Subsequent investigations led to charges alleging he had staged the attack. In 2021, a jury found him guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months of probation.
Smollett’s legal team appealed the conviction, arguing that he had previously reached a deal with prosecutors to settle the case outside of court and should not have faced criminal charges again. In 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction, ruling that the state was bound to honor its original agreement with him.
Looking Ahead
Smollett expressed a desire to focus on advocacy and artistic expression moving forward. He acknowledged the impact the ordeal had on his mental health and public perception but emphasized the importance of self-reflection and support from loved ones in his recovery. Smollett stated, “I pray to have a child. I can’t visualize me not being a father, because I know I’d be a damn good father.” He added, “I’m doing all of this stuff for my kid, for one day them to read this conversation and just be like, ‘Oh, he said that he was doing this for us. And he did.’”
With the legal proceedings behind him, Smollett aims to continue his career in film and music while advocating for social justice and supporting others facing similar challenges.