Jussie Smollett, a well-known actor from the hit series Empire, recently made headlines with his engagement to Jabari Redd in June 2025. The couple, who have been dating since at least 2022, took their relationship to the next level with a romantic proposal captured on Instagram. The announcement of their engagement came as a pleasant surprise to fans, showcasing their love and commitment to each other.
Since their engagement, many have been curious about Jabari Redd, the man who captured Jussie Smollett’s heart. Born and raised in Westbury, New York, Redd has a background in athletics, excelling in football and track during his high school years. After pursuing track at Hampton University and later studying kinesiology at Morehouse College, Redd made a career shift towards the entertainment industry, ultimately finding success as an actor and producer.
Redd’s accomplishments in the entertainment world include producing music videos for artists like Soulja Boy and contributing to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Uproar Hip Hop Festival. His acting career took off in 2012, with notable performances in films like B-Boy Blues and appearances in TV shows like Showtime’s The Chi. However, it was his collaboration with Jussie Smollett in the film The Lost Holliday (2024) that truly showcased their on-screen chemistry.
The Lost Holliday, written and directed by Smollett, saw Redd and Smollett portraying pivotal roles in a poignant story of love and loss. Their collaboration extended beyond the screen, with Redd noting in interviews that working with Smollett created a “safe space” for both actors to explore their characters deeply. This shared creative experience further solidified their bond, both personally and professionally.
Despite their high-profile careers, Redd and Smollett managed to keep their relationship out of the spotlight for many years. In a rare moment of candor during a promotional interview for The Lost Holliday, the couple coyly hinted at their romantic involvement without explicitly confirming it. However, it wasn’t until June 2025 that the duo officially announced their engagement, marking a new chapter in their love story.
The proposal, set against the picturesque backdrop of Florence, Italy, was a moment of pure joy and surprise for Redd. As Smollett popped the question and slid a dazzling diamond ring onto Redd’s finger, the couple shared an intimate celebration with champagne. The heartwarming announcement on social media garnered an outpouring of love and support from friends and family, including Smollett’s sisters who welcomed Redd into the family with open arms.
With their engagement making waves in the media, fans and admirers alike are eager to see what the future holds for Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd. As they embark on this new chapter together, the couple’s love story continues to inspire and captivate audiences, showcasing the power of love, perseverance, and unwavering support in the face of adversity.