*Jussie Smollett has broken his silence on what he describes as his “darkest day,” five years after his arrest for allegedly staging a hate crime in January 2019.
The once-celebrated actor and singer has been mired in controversy since claiming he was attacked in Chicago, only to face multiple felony charges and a conviction for disorderly conduct. Despite the tumultuous events surrounding his legal battles, Smollett continues to uphold his innocence.
“That was a pretty dark day because that’s when everything clicked to me of what was happening.” He shared the profound impact it had on him, revealing, “A lot of things tested my strength… but the one thing I never lost — I never started thinking that I am somebody that I’m not,” Smollet recounted in an emotional interview with People Magazine.
The incident that led to his arrest involved claims that two masked men assaulted him, subjected him to racial and homophobic slurs, and left him in fear for his life. Initially facing 16 counts of felony disorderly conduct, Smollett pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Although the charges were eventually dropped in March 2019, a renewed investigation led to six additional counts in 2020, ultimately resulting in his conviction on five felony counts in December 2021. Smollett was sentenced to five months in jail, a $25,000 fine, and restitution of over $120,000 although he was released just six days later, and his appeal is still pending.
Reflecting on the public’s perception of the case, Smollett expressed feeling “numb” and bewildered during the entire ordeal.
“I was numb. I didn’t know how to connect the dots,” the actor noted. “I really genuinely did not know.”
“I couldn’t make sense of what people were actually thinking,” he recalled, struggling to reconcile the complex narrative surrounding his situation. He further explained his discontent, feeling used as “a political pawn” amid a polarized public dialogue.
Now, Smollett is aiming for a fresh start in his acting career with the upcoming film “The Lost Holliday,” set to premiere in select AMC theaters on September 27. The movie, which also stars Vivica A. Fox, explores family dynamics and the journey of a same-gender-loving couple. The film promises to touch on themes of acceptance and familial support, aligned with Smollett’s personal experiences.
In addition to acting, Smollett has also contributed to the film’s score, labeling the music as “very special.” He enjoys blending his passions, stating, “Music has always been the driving force behind everything I do,” and acknowledging how his music career has intertwined with his acting journey, notably with his role in “Empire.”
Meanwhile, filmmaker Lee Daniels, who directed Smollett in the hit TV show, “Empire,” has expressed his willingness to collaborate with the actor again despite the controversies. He referred to Smollett as “a son,” indicating a deep personal connection stemming from their previous work. Daniels admitted to being confused by the situation and maintained that he still seeks truth regarding the events that transpired.
As Jussie Smollett embarks on this new chapter, he carries a complex blend of resilience and vulnerability, defined by a determination to rise above adversity and refocus on his passion for storytelling through both acting and music.
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