Where Is Jussie Smollett Now? Inside the Actor’s Life 6 Years After His Infamous Hate Crime Scandal

Jussie Smollett, the Empire actor, has finally put his six-year legal battle with the city of Chicago behind him as the lawsuit was settled in May 2025. The journey began when Smollett reported an alleged hate crime in 2019, where he claimed he was attacked by two individuals using slurs outside his apartment building. However, the actor was charged with filing a false police report and accused of orchestrating the hate crime with the help of former Empire extras. Despite facing charges and being cleared twice, the legal proceedings and lawsuits were eventually resolved, with Smollett’s convictions being overturned by the state.

Looking back on the incident that turned his life upside down, Smollett told PEOPLE, “I was numb. I didn’t know how to connect the dots.” Even though the ordeal is now in the past, Smollett acknowledges that the events of January 2019 and the subsequent investigation will forever be associated with him. To delve deeper into the situation, the actor is speaking out in a Netflix documentary titled The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which premiered on Aug. 22. This documentary sheds light on the events surrounding the alleged hate crime hoax and the aftermath, providing insight into Smollett’s perspective.

After being accused of staging a fake hate crime against himself in 2019, Smollett’s entertainment career took a significant hit. He was removed from the final season of Empire, and the show’s creator, Lee Daniels, expressed embarrassment for supporting him before the alleged hoax came to light. Following a Chicago judge’s conviction on felony disorderly conduct and false police report charges, Smollett faced additional challenges as he battled the repercussions across various aspects of his life, leading him to seek rehab in 2023 to cope with the fallout.

Despite the legal battles and public scrutiny, Smollett has consistently maintained his innocence. After agreeing to a settlement that involved a $50,000 donation to a Chicago charity to dismiss the civil lawsuit against him, the actor reiterated his stance on social media. He called out city officials for perpetuating a false narrative against him and expressed gratitude for the resources that enabled him to defend himself during the legal ordeal. Through his actions and statements, Smollett has remained steadfast in proclaiming his innocence and standing up for others who have faced similar challenges.

When reflecting on the individuals he holds responsible for perpetuating the hoax narrative, Smollett not only points to his alleged attackers but also to the Chicago Police Department and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He suggests that there might have been ulterior motives behind the campaign against him, linking it to a distraction from a high-profile federal case. Despite facing backlash and ongoing controversies, Smollett remains focused on rebuilding his career and pursuing his creative endeavors.

While navigating his path forward, Smollett has ventured into directing and producing films, including his directorial debut in 2021 with B-Boy Blues. He has also announced the release of his second album, Break Out, scheduled for September 2025, marking a return to his passion for music. Additionally, Smollett’s career resurgence includes a return to television on Fox, where he will participate as a celebrity contestant on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. With his eye on the future, Smollett aims to continue his creative pursuits and fulfill his aspirations, including starting a family and inspiring his future children through his journey of resilience and determination.