Jussie Smollett Archives - New Hip Hop News

Jussie Smollett Details His “Darkest Day” During His Hate Crime Hoax Scandal

September 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jussie Smollett recently reflected on his infamous alleged hate crime hoax scandal ahead of the premiere of his new film, The Lost Holliday. Speaking with PEOPLE for an interview over Zoom, he told the outlet about his “darkest day” during the ensuing drama. It came when authorities arrested him on several charges of disorderly conduct and falsifying a police report.

“I was numb,” he told the outlet about the time in his life. “I didn’t know how to connect the dots, I really genuinely did not know.” He explained: “I couldn’t make sense of what was going on, and I couldn’t make sense of what people were actually thinking … what exactly do they think happened? I couldn’t put two and two together.” To this day, the Empire star still maintains his innocence in the incident.

Jussie Smollett Speaks At The Premiere Of “The Lost Holliday”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Actor Jussie Smollett attends the Atlanta premiere of “The Lost Holliday” at AMC Madison Yards 8 on September 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

As for the day he was arrested, Smollet said: “That was a pretty dark day because that’s when everything clicked to me of what was happening. A lot of things tested my strength, a lot of things tested my mental, but the one thing I never lost — I never started thinking that I am somebody that I’m not. That is the one thing that did not happen. Keep in mind, I was deep in my thirties when this happened. This isn’t like I’m a 16-year-old or a 20-year-old, [where] this is impacting their very being of who they believe that they are. I never started thinking that I am somebody that I’m not.”

At the premiere of The Lost Holliday in New York City, Smollett also spoke with TMZ, with whom he discussed Lee Daniels’ recent comments on his case. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jussie Smollett on HotNewHipHop.

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Jussie Smollett Breaks Silence On Lee Daniels’ Viral Comments On Their Relationship

September 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jussie Smollett addressed Lee Daniels’ recent comments on their relationship, in which the Empire creator labeled it, “complicated,” during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. Speaking with TMZ in New York City on Friday in honor of the release of his new film, The Lost Holliday, Smollett explained that he is always going to be on good terms with Daniels despite their disagreements.

“I talk to Lee often. It’s something that– I love Lee very much, but here’s the thing, I don’t talk about it. Lee is somebody that I love,” Smollett said. “He gave me an opportunity that I’ll always be grateful for, but at the same time, it’s a relationship that’s really important to me, so I don’t feel the need to mediate that in the public.” He added: “Lee is also a little bit more of an open book, so he’ll say things, but I love him so much. And, he knows that. We’re always gonna be good.”

Jussie Smollett Speaks During Lee Daniels’ Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony

HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 02: Lee Daniels and Jussie Smollett attend the ceremony honoring Lee Daniels with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 2, 2016, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/WireImage)

The drama surrounds Daniels’ comments about Smollett’s infamous staging of a hate crime against himself in Chicago in 2019. “That whole situation was complicated,” Daniels said, last month. “I still don’t know what to believe. Honestly, I don’t know what to believe. People say he didn’t do it, he did do it. God bless him on his journey.” Despite that remark, he also said that he’d still be willing to work with Smollett again. “I’d cast him in something,” he clarified. “He was a son to me. And he also represented me. And he also represented the movement that I tried to start, which I didn’t know I was starting. I was so busy, worried about Cookie’s hat and the music that we were playing [on Empire], this was before Insecure, this was before Black Panther. We started it. I was so worried about getting everything right that I didn’t know what was happening in the zeitgeist.”

Jussie Smollett Discusses Lee Daniels

Check out Smollet’s full comments on his relationship with Daniels below. The Lost Holliday is in theaters now. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jussie Smollett and Lee Daniels on HotNewHipHop.

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Jussie Smollett Takes Case To Illinois Supreme Court

February 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jussie Smollett is taking his case regarding false claims he made about being a victim of a hate crime in Chicago in 2019 to the Illinois Supreme Court. His lawyer has filed a request to have his 2021 conviction for five felony counts of disorderly conduct revisited. At the time, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx agreed to a plea deal in which the actor didn’t have to admit guilt. However, Smollett claims public outrage over his case influenced the state into further prosecuting him. In turn, he believes it to be a case of double jeopardy.

“What should have been a straightforward case has been complicated by the intersection of politics and public outrage,” Smollett’s attorney Nenye Uche wrote in the filing. “The dismissal of the Petitioner’s charges, after his complete performance, was the result of a collaborative effort and agreement reached between the State and the Petitioner.”

Jussie Smollett Attends BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Jussie Smollett during the 2022 B.E.T. Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

According to TMZ, Smollet references the prosecutor’s initial comments which read: “After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, the State’s motion in regards to the indictment is to nolle pros [not prosecute]. We believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”

In the end, Smollett got 150 days in jail, as well as 30 months of probation, $120,106 in restitution to the City of Chicago, and a $25,000 fine. He previously appealed the conviction, but an Illinois court upheld the disorderly conduct ruling. If the case falls through in the Supreme Court, he’ll have to return to jail to finish out his sentence. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jussie Smollett on HotNewHipHop.

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Jussie Smollett Net Worth 2023: What Is The Actor Worth?

August 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Born in Santa Rosa, California, Jussie Smollett was the third of six siblings who had early interactions with the stage and screen. In a house pulsating with creativity and ambition, Smollett began his career at an age when most kids are preoccupied with playground antics. His mother, Janet Smollett, wielded a mighty influence. She was an activist who marched alongside the Black Panthers. With an amalgamation of artistic flair and an indomitable spirit passed down, Jussie was destined for more than a mere fifteen minutes of fame. The family’s relocation to Los Angeles was not just a move—it was a prelude to a saga of ambition and spotlights.

Silver Screens & Gleaming Trophies

Smollett’s rise through the ranks of Hollywood was neither meteoric nor serendipitous. His break came with the role of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire, a part seemingly written in the stars just for him. The character of Jamal—openly gay, Black, and ensnared in a quagmire of familial politics—echoed many of the struggles Smollett faced and spoke openly about in his real life. The resonance was palpable, and accolades weren’t far behind. Nominations for NAACP Image Awards and Teen Choice Awards stacked up like backstage passes at a sold-out concert. He even expanded his artistry into music, releasing his debut album, Sum of My Music, in 2018 to considerable acclaim. His resume extended further to directing, embedding his influence in the annals of popular culture. His net worth stands at a whopping $17 million in 2023, according to CAknowledge.

The Man Behind The Myth: Smollett’s Personal Life

Public figures are always trapped in a labyrinth of public fascination, and Smollett is no exception. His sexuality was a topic of incessant scrutiny long before he made it a cornerstone of his career. Openly gay, Smollett leveraged his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, infusing his art with activism seamlessly. However, his personal life took a jarring turn in 2019 when he reported a hate crime against himself—a report later discredited, leading to a vortex of legal entanglements and public opinion nosediving faster than a sinking karaoke performance. He found himself on the receiving end of a six-count indictment for disorderly conduct, to which he pleaded not guilty, adding a layer of complexity to an already intricate personal narrative.

The Philanthropist & Entrepreneur: Jussie’s Expanding Portfolio

In a world where celebrities are not merely content with one avenue of influence, Smollett is a savvy businessman and philanthropist. He has invested in technology startups, dabbled in real estate, and even launched a line of eco-friendly personal care products. His philanthropic ventures mirror his interests in activism. He’s been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and LGBTQ+ rights. Smollett invested money and fame capital into causes that reflected his life’s passions. His participation in organizations like the Black AIDS Institute and the Trevor Project has given him a unique position in the circle of celebrity altruism.

By now, Jussie Smollett is not just a man or a brand. He is an evolving story with episodes of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. Yet through it all, the chapters of his life coalesce into a narrative of struggle and success. It defies easy categorization, much like the man himself.

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Jussie Smollett Is Directing A New Movie Starring Vivica A. Fox

June 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

According to reports, Jussie Smollett is currently directing a new movie starring Vivica A. Fox. Smollett was spotted on set of the film, titled The Lost Holiday, yesterday. Photos from the set shared by TMZ show the two working alongside each other in Orange County. Smollett and Fox also previously worked together on the series Empire.

Smollett is also in the process of appealing his conviction for faking a hate crime in 2019. In March of this year, his attorneys filed an appellant brief claiming that the court “committed reversible error” and was “excessive” in its sentencing. They later shared a statement about the appeal. “If Mr. Smollett’s convictions are allowed to stand, this case will set a dangerous precedent,” it reads, “by giving prosecutors a second bite at the apple any time there is dissatisfaction with another prosecutor’s exercise of discretion.” Furthermore, the actor will have to serve five months if the appeal fails. Smollett’s court hearing is scheduled to take place in December.

Vivica A. Fox Supports Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett Is Directing A New Movie Starring Vivica A. Fox — Vivica A. Fox attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of “CREED III” at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 27, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)

Fox has continued to stick by Smollett amid the controversy surrounding the 2019 hoax. She previously told TMZ that she plans to “do something with him in the future.” Now, it appears that day has come.

Fox also made headlines earlier this month for claiming that she’s not opposed to rekindling her romance with 50 Cent. She appeared on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show where the two discussed the possibility. “Well, [Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez] did it again. Why not?” Fox asked the host. The two then continued to joke, and Fox explained that her ex is unfortunately already taken. “He has a beautiful girlfriend by the name of Cuban Link,” she said. “Recently, he gave her something, but I don’t know if it was an engagement ring. But it was a beautiful ring.”

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Osundairo Brothers Reenact Jussie Smollett Attack

March 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Fox Nation is bringing the Jussie Smollett scandal back to the forefront. Last week, the new docuseries Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax was revealed, and the show premiered yesterday (March 13). It was in January 2019 that Smollett told the Chicago Police Department he was walking down the street in the early morning hours when he was attacked by two men. He described them as white with red MAGA hats, and alleged they assaulted him while spewing racist and homophobic slurs. The Empire actor appeared with a noose around his neck, purportedly placed there by his assailants. Quickly, the CPD got to work to find the suspects.

However, their investigation uncovered that the attack was potentially staged. The Osundairo brothers, two actors and fitness enthusiasts, soon found their names encased in controversy. In February 2019, investigators raided the brothers’ home, and they reportedly found information tying them to Smollett. Evidence later revealed that Abimbola and Olabinjo were allegedly paid $3,500 dollars by the actor to pull off the deception. The brothers reenacted the attack in Anatomy of a Hoax.

Osundairo Brothers Take To The Streets Of Chicago

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 24: Attorney Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez with Abimbola and Ola Osundairo (R) arrive at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on February 24, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

Fox Nation shared a clip of their docuseries where the Osundairo brothers revisited the location they claim the fake assault took place. They smiled and joked about the experience as they relived the encounter. First, they noted that the bench where they had waited for Smollett had been removed. “They took our beautiful bench,” said Ola. Abel added, “We got here with 10 minutes to spare, and we had to plan our escape route to survey the land.”

Abel then showed where Smollett lived, “right above the stairs that we’re going to attack him at.” He also communicated they made sure to arrive at “2:00 a.m. sharp, on the dot.” Abel stated the actor didn’t want them to have any phones on them. “He said so we don’t lose ’em. I don’t know if that’s really the reason, but you can deduce your own reason.” The brothers claimed when the agreed-upon time rolled around, Smollett “was nowhere to be found.”

Jussie Smollett Finally Shows Up

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Because they didn’t have their phones, the brothers couldn’t contact Smollett. About five minutes later, Smollett reportedly appeared, and they got into character. “Is that him? Let’s get that n******,” they recalled saying. “As we cross the street, we say ‘Hey’ to get his attention,” remembered Abel. “He turned around, looked at us, and that’s when we started yelling the famous slurs he wanted us to yell.”

Meanwhile, Smollett is currently fighting his false report convictions. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but was released after six. The actor has continued to insist he did not stage a hoax, but his supporters fear his career has been irreparably harmed due to the scandal. Check out the Osundairo brothers reenacting their line of events above.

Jussie Smollett Doc: Osundairo Brothers Speak For The First Time

March 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The 2019 attack on Jussie Smollett is receiving documentary treatment by Fox Nation. The network is examining the story of the hoax that captivated the world: an award-winning actor was assaulted on the streets of Chicago. News wildly circulated about Smollett being accosted, verbally attacked with racial and LGBTQIA+ slurs, and a noose placed on his neck. At the time, Smollett was at the height of his Empire career, but this scandal caused him to lose the gig. Some say he lost much more.

This month, Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax was teased. The five-part docuseries premiered on Fox Nation today (March 13), and we find this case being examined under a microscope. During the investigation, Chicago investigators learned of the Osundairo brothers, fitness enthusiasts, and actors. They told police they were responsible for the attack on Smollett; however, the brothers also stated it was Smollett who hired them.

Osundairo Brothers speak For The First Time

There were several speculative reports during the thick of the Smollett case. The actor faced lawsuits from authorities who claimed he wasted viable resources. In December 2021, Smollett was found guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct for making false reports. He was sentenced to five months but was released after six days while he appealed the verdict. Now, the ins and outs of this story have arrived in Anatomy of a Hoax, and the Osundairo brothers are finally speaking out.

Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo testified that they met Smollett through their connections in the industry. They claimed they had a casual relationship with the actor and were hired to pull off this hoax. The pair were also featured in the docuseries’ trailer, where surveillance footage seemingly corroborated their stories. They are captured purchasing items related to the attack. “He told us to make sure we have a red hat for Trump,” one of the brothers says.

Smollett Maintains His Innocence

They even took production to the streets of Chicago, showing where they “waited for Jussie to come before we attacked him.” The brothers appear side by side smiling, and one admits, “We were the ones that did it.” The other chimes in, “Yeah, it was us.” Smollett hasn’t publicly responded to this new docuseries, but he has maintained his innocence. Check out the trailer above.

Jussie Smollett Appeals 150-Day Jail Sentence

March 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On March 2022, actor-musician Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail for staging a hate crime against himself in 2019. The case itself began in January that year when Smollett reported to Chicago police he’d been attacked by two men. He alleged they shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and put a noose around his neck. As the investigation progressed, however, inconsistencies in Smollett’s story began to emerge. This led police to conclude he had staged the hate attack with the two men.

Now one year following his admission of guilt, Smollett’s legal team has officially filed to appeal his sentence. Smollett’s legal team argues the sentence is too harsh, and that he should have been given probation instead. They also contend there were errors made during the trial, including the exclusion of certain evidence. In addition, they mention admission of testimony from the two brothers who allegedly helped him. The appeal is expected to be a lengthy process, and it is unclear how long it will take for a decision to be made. In the meantime, he will remain free on bail. Jussie served six days out of the sentence last year before he was released.

Jussie Smollett’s Appeals Stems From His 2019 Hate Crime Hoax

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 10: Actor Jussie Smollett listens as his grandmother Molly testifies at his sentencing hearing on March 10, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Jussie Smollett was found guilty late last year of lying to police about a hate crime after he reported to police that two masked men physically attacked him, yelling racist and anti-gay remarks near his Chicago home in 2019. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months probation, ordered to pay $120,000 restitution to the city of Chicago and fined $25,000. (Photo by Brian Cassella-Pool/Getty Images)

The former Empire star was formally convicted of the hoax hate crime in December 2021. Jussie was initially charged with 16 felony counts relating to “false report of offense,” but the charges were later dropped. Later, a special prosecutor was appointed to investigate the handling of the case. They indicating Smollett again on six counts, and the jury found him guilty of five disorderly conduct charges. They dimissed the one count of making a false report to police. In the end, Jussie was sentenced to 150 days in jail and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to the City of Chicago.

The Smollett case has sparked a great deal of controversy, with some arguing he was unfairly targeted by the justice system. Others believe that he committed a serious crime and should be punished accordingly. Regardless of the appeal outcome, the case is likely to continue to be a debatable topic for some time. As of recent, a docuseries has been announced regarding the hoax, which will take a “deep dive into a scam.”

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Jussie Smollett Docuseries Will Highlight Hoax Attack As He Appeals Conviction

March 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Buckle up for the next wave of the Jussie Smollett controversy. The singer has been living his best life away from scandal but is about to return to the true crime limelight. It was announced this week that a new docuseries about Smollett’s 2019 encounter with the Osundairo brothers is being made. Fox Nation helms Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax, a five-part series set to premiere on March 13.

In early 2019, Smollett alleged that while walking in Chicago, he was attacked by two white men. He claimed he was taunted with racist and anti-gay slurs and even appeared with a noose around his neck. He received widespread support from activists and fans, but later, Chicago police alleged Smollett staged the entire incident. A lawsuit was even filed against the actor, and as more information was shared, he was let go from Empire.

The Osundairo Brothers Say It Was All Fake

ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 08: Jussie Smollett attends the “B-Boy Blues” Atlanta premiere at Silverspot Cinema at The Battery Atlanta on June 8, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

Later, police tracked down Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, brothers, athletes, and small-time actors. They reportedly met Smollett on the set of Empire and had regular correspondence with him. They claimed they worked with the actor in the attack, and it was speculated that Smollett orchestrated the event for sympathy. He denied every theory of blame and, until today, maintains his innocence. In court documents, Smollett demanded a new trial and stated, “In the present case, instances of prosecutorial misconduct were clear and egregious.” His legal team also alleges prosecutorial misconduct.

However, in 2021, he was convicted of five counts of felony disorderly conduct. There was reportedly a sixth count involving lying to investigators, but he was acquitted. Smollett was released from jail pending his appeal, but he still faces 150 days. Meanwhile, Fox Nation issued a statement about their upcoming docuseries.

A “Deep Dive Into A Scam”

“Anatomy of a Hoax takes a deep dive into a scam that reverberated through the worlds of entertainment, pop culture, and politics. We’re excited for viewers to hear the real stories behind this scandal from the Osundairo brothers for the very first time,” said John Finley, Fox Nation Executive Vice President.

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