Jussie Smollett Alleged Hate Crime Later Accused as Staged

Jussie Smollett Alleged Hate Crime Later Accused as Staged (USA, 2019)

On January 29, 2019, actor Jussie Smollett, known for his role on the television series Empire, reported to Chicago Police that he had been the victim of a hate crime in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago. He stated that two masked men attacked him at approximately 2:00 a.m., poured an unknown chemical substance on him, placed a noose around his neck, shouted racist and homophobic slurs including references to "MAGA country," and fled the scene.

The incident received widespread media attention and condemnation from public figures, politicians, and civil rights organizations, who described it as an example of rising hate crimes against Black and LGBTQ individuals in the United States.

Chicago Police Department launched an investigation involving hundreds of hours of video review, interviews, and evidence collection. By mid-February 2019, detectives identified two brothers, Ola and Abel Osundairo, as persons of interest. The brothers were detained, questioned, and later released without charges after providing statements to police.

On March 8, 2019, Chicago Police announced that Smollett had orchestrated the attack. According to investigators, Smollett paid the Osundairo brothers $3,500 to stage the assault, supplied them with clothing and a rope to use in the incident, and coordinated the timing and location. The motive was alleged to be gaining publicity and advancing his career.

Smollett was charged with 16 felony counts of filing a false police report. In May 2019, the charges were dropped by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx after Smollett completed community service and forfeited a $10,000 bond. The decision drew significant criticism. In February 2020, a special prosecutor was appointed, and new charges were filed.

In December 2021, after a trial, Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct for filing false police reports. In March 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in Cook County Jail, fined $25,000, and ordered to pay restitution of $120,106 to the City of Chicago. He served six days before being released on bond pending appeal.

In December 2023, an Illinois appellate court upheld the conviction. In September 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear the case, leaving the conviction and sentence intact.