The hashtag #JussieSmollett documented one of the most bizarre celebrity scandals of 2019, when Empire actor Jussie Smollett reported being the victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime in Chicago, only for police to determine he had orchestrated the attack himself.
The Alleged Attack (January 29, 2019)
On January 29, 2019, at 2 AM in downtown Chicago during a polar vortex (-20°F), Smollett reported that two men attacked him, yelled racist and homophobic slurs (“This is MAGA country!”), poured bleach on him, and put a noose around his neck.
The story generated immediate national outrage. Politicians condemned the attack. Celebrities expressed support. The incident seemed to epitomize hate in Trump’s America.
Unraveling (February 2019)
Chicago police investigation quickly found inconsistencies. Surveillance footage didn’t show the attack. Smollett had kept the noose around his neck for 42 minutes after the alleged assault. Phone records showed suspicious activity.
On February 20, 2019, police arrested two Nigerian brothers—Abel and Ola Osundairo—who worked as extras on Empire. They confessed that Smollett had paid them $3,500 to stage the attack. They provided receipts for the rope used as a noose and detailed text messages coordinating the “attack.”
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson held a press conference declaring Smollett had orchestrated the hoax because he was “dissatisfied with his salary” and wanted publicity.
Charges & Trial
Smollett was charged with filing a false police report. In a controversial March 2019 decision, Cook County prosecutors dropped all charges in exchange for Smollett forfeiting his $10,000 bond and performing community service. The decision sparked outrage, including from Chicago’s mayor and police superintendent.
The city of Chicago sued Smollett for $130,000 to cover investigation costs. Special prosecutor Dan Webb was appointed to re-examine the case, leading to new charges in February 2020.
In December 2021, Smollett was convicted on five of six felony counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced in March 2022 to 150 days in jail, 30 months probation, and restitution—though he served only six days before being released pending appeal.
Career Destruction
Empire removed Smollett’s character from the final episodes of Season 5 and he did not return for Season 6. His music and acting career essentially ended. He became a pariah and a punchline.
Why It Mattered
The hoax was particularly damaging because it weaponized real hate crimes for personal gain, potentially making authorities and the public more skeptical of actual victims. It became a right-wing talking point about false accusations and was used to dismiss legitimate hate crime reports.
Smollett maintained his innocence throughout, giving a rambling statement at sentencing that included singing. His refusal to admit guilt prevented any possibility of redemption.
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