Jussie Smollett: Hoax, Conviction, and Appeal Overturned

Few celebrity legal sagas have twisted as sharply as the one surrounding Jussie Smollett. Beginning with a reported hate crime in Chicago that made national headlines, the story took a very different turn when police alleged the attack was staged.

Born: June 21, 1982 ·
Occupation: Actor, singer, filmmaker ·
Conviction: 5 counts of disorderly conduct (overturned) ·
Jail sentence: 150 days (served 6 days) ·
Appeal outcome: Conviction overturned (2023) ·
Known for: Role as Jamal Lyon on Empire

Eight key facts paint a clear picture of the case’s trajectory:

What has happened to Jussie Smollett?

What exactly did Jussie Smollett do?

• On January 29, 2019, Smollett reported to Chicago police that he was attacked by two men who used racist and homophobic slurs (BBC).
• Police investigation found inconsistencies and alleged Smollett had paid two brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, to stage the attack (NBC Chicago).
• He was charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report in February 2019 (NBC Chicago).

What has happened to Jussie Smollett’s career?

• Smollett’s character Jamal Lyon was written out of Empire during its fifth season, with the final appearance in March 2019 (BBC).
• After the legal case, he directed and starred in the 2021 film B-Boy Blues and released music, including the album Break Out in 2023 (People).
• As of 2025, he continues to work on independent projects and maintains a social media presence (Variety).

The implication: Smollett’s career recovery remains uncertain despite legal victory.

Did Jussie Smollett win his appeal?

Yes — twice. The Illinois Appellate Court overturned his conviction on December 1, 2023, ruling that a special prosecutor was improperly appointed after the state’s attorney had initially dropped the charges (NBC Chicago). The state appealed, but the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the reversal on November 21, 2024, stating the second prosecution violated due process (WTTW). The court did not decide guilt or innocence — it ruled on the legality of the second prosecution (CBS News Chicago).

The catch: The court’s procedural ruling left the question of his innocence unanswered.

Why was Jussie Smollett written out of Empire?

How was Jussie Smollett written off the last season of Empire?

• After the hoax allegations became public, the show’s producers removed Smollett’s character Jamal Lyon from the final episodes of season five (BBC).
• His character was written out with a brief off-screen explanation — Jamal was said to be in London working on music — and never returned for the sixth and final season (People).
• The show’s producers cited the ongoing legal and public relations issues as the reason for the decision.

The implication: Empire chose to protect its brand rather than keep a lead actor whose legal troubles dominated headlines. The move effectively ended Smollett’s most prominent acting role.

Who attacked Jussie Smollett?

No actual attackers exist. The evidence presented at trial showed that Smollett paid two brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, to carry out a staged assault (BBC). The brothers later testified that Smollett orchestrated the hoax, providing them with a noose and instructions on what to yell (NBC Chicago). Smollett maintained the attack was real until the evidence contradicted his story.

What does Jussie Smollett do for a living now?

• Since the legal resolution, Smollett has focused on independent filmmaking and music. He directed and starred in B-Boy Blues (2021) and released the album Break Out in 2023 (People).
• He also appeared in a 2025 documentary about his case, which a Variety report said was not intended to rehabilitate his career but to tell his side (Variety).
• He lives in Los Angeles with a relatively low public profile, occasionally posting updates on social media.

The trade-off: Smollett traded a mainstream TV career for creative independence.

Timeline of the Jussie Smollett case

• January 29, 2019: Smollett reports a hate crime attack in Chicago.
• February 20, 2019: Charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report.
• March 26, 2019: Cook County State’s Attorney drops all charges.
• February 11, 2020: Special prosecutor appointed; new charges filed.
• December 9, 2021: Jury finds Smollett guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct.
• March 10, 2022: Sentenced to 150 days in jail; released after 6 days pending appeal.
• December 1, 2023: Illinois Appellate Court overturns conviction.
• November 21, 2024: Illinois Supreme Court affirms reversal, orders dismissal (Illinois Supreme Court opinion).

The pattern: From hoax to conviction to reversal, the timeline reveals a legal saga that spanned over five years.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

The takeaway: Even with the conviction overturned, the reputational damage persists.

The legal saga continues to unfold, with Jussie Smolletts overturned conviction marking a significant turn in the case.

Frequently asked questions

For Jussie Smollett, the legal saga is finally over — but the reputational damage is lasting. The entertainment industry, which once gave him a leading role on a hit show, now treats him as a cautionary tale. His career has shifted to independent projects, and the public remains divided. For any celebrity caught in a similar spiral, the lesson is clear: legal vindication does not guarantee a return to the spotlight.