Jussie Smollett, the former “Empire” star, is gearing up for a new chapter in his life as he hopes to make a fresh start after the turmoil of his alleged hate crime incident. In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Smollett shared his anticipation for his appearance on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test”, a Fox competition series where celebrities are pushed to their limits in military-style challenges. The 43-year-old actor expressed his desire to show young people the importance of resilience, stating that even when you fall, you must rise again. He described his decision to participate in the show as a way to inspire the youth to persevere through tough times.
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At a recent red carpet event for the show in Los Angeles, Smollett, accompanied by his castmate Eva Marcille, talked about how the experience on the reality series allowed him to connect with the audience in ways he had not foreseen. He described the show as a “great equalizer” and a platform for him to showcase his true self filled with love and positivity. For Smollett, the mental challenges posed by the show were the most difficult to overcome, emphasizing the intense nature of the physical and emotional demands of the competition.
Throughout his time on “Special Forces”, Smollett found the experience to be enlightening and transformative. He noted that the opportunity to showcase his vulnerability in a new light was a significant aspect of his personal growth. As he prepares to release his new album, “Breakout”, Smollett’s appearance on the reality series serves as a pivotal moment for him to reconnect with his audience and show a different side of himself. Amidst the physical rigours of the challenges, Smollett found solace in the mental strength he discovered within himself during the show’s filming.
Marcille, who shared the red carpet with Smollett, shed light on his journey on the show, highlighting how viewers would witness a side of Smollett that had not been previously showcased. She praised his resilience in the face of adversity and commended his commitment to pushing through difficult circumstances. As someone who had not ventured into unscripted television before, Smollett’s participation in “Special Forces” offered a unique insight into his character and persona beyond his music and acting career.
Smollett’s appearance on “Special Forces” comes against the backdrop of the alleged hate crime incident in 2019, where he claimed to have been attacked by two individuals who hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him. Following a tumultuous legal battle, Smollett faced accusations of staging the attack and filing a false police report. Despite the challenges he has faced, Smollett remains steadfast in his pursuit of redemption and self-discovery through his involvement in the reality series.
As Smollett navigates this new chapter in his life, he continues to grapple with the aftermath of the incident, admitting to feelings of insecurity and apprehension in his interactions with others. However, he remains optimistic about the future and the opportunity to showcase his true self to the world. With the premiere of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” on the horizon, Smollett stands ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, determined to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.