Major Controversies Surrounding Jussie Smollett: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Jussie Smollett—discover key moments of controversy.

Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire (2015-2019). He began his career as a child actor in 1991. In January 2019, Smollett reported to police that he was the victim of a hate crime. Following an investigation, Smollett was accused of staging the attack and filing a false police report. The case became highly publicized and controversial, leading to Smollett's removal from Empire. He was eventually convicted on multiple felony counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to the police.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2007: Plea in DUI Case

In 2007, Jussie Smollett pleaded no contest to providing false information to law enforcement, driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit, and driving without a valid driver's license. He was sentenced to a fine and three years of probation.

January 2019: Hate Crime Claim

In January 2019, Jussie Smollett claimed he was the victim of a hate crime, but police determined the attack was staged.

January 29, 2019: Reported Attack

On January 29, 2019, Jussie Smollett reported to the police that he was physically attacked outside his apartment building and subjected to racial and homophobic slurs. He was treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

February 20, 2019: Charged with Filing False Report

On February 20, 2019, Jussie Smollett was charged by a grand jury with a class 4 felony for filing a false police report.

March 26, 2019: Charges Dropped

On March 26, 2019, all charges filed against Jussie Smollett were dropped after he performed community service and forfeited his $10,000 bond.

April 12, 2019: City of Chicago Lawsuit

On April 12, 2019, the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Jussie Smollett to recover $130,105.15, the cost of overtime incurred during the investigation of the alleged hoax.

April 30, 2019: No Plans for Empire Appearance

On April 30, 2019, Fox Entertainment announced that despite Jussie Smollett's contract extension for the sixth season of "Empire", there were no plans for his character to appear.

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June 2019: Foxx Requests Independent Inquiry

In June 2019, prosecutor Kim Foxx, facing allegations of favoritism towards Jussie Smollett, requested the state to conduct an independent inquiry by a special investigator.

November 2019: Smollett's Countersuit

In November 2019, Jussie Smollett filed a countersuit against the city of Chicago, claiming he was a victim of "mass public ridicule and harm" and should not reimburse the city for the investigation costs.

February 11, 2020: Second Indictment

On February 11, 2020, after further investigation by a special prosecutor, Jussie Smollett was indicted again by a Cook County grand jury on six counts of felony disorderly conduct.

June 12, 2020: Double Jeopardy Claim Rejected

On June 12, 2020, a judge rejected Jussie Smollett's claim that his February charge violated the principle of double jeopardy.

2020: Re-indictment

In 2020, Jussie Smollett was re-indicted by a special prosecutor.

November 2021: Trial Begins

In November 2021, Jussie Smollett's trial began.

December 2021: Conviction on Five Counts

In December 2021, Jussie Smollett was convicted on five counts related to filing a false police report.

March 10, 2022: Sentencing

On March 10, 2022, Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in county jail, two and a half years of probation, ordered to pay restitution to the city of Chicago of over $120,000, and fined $25,000.

March 2022: Sentenced to Jail, Released After Six Days

In March 2022, Jussie Smollett was sentenced to jail, but his release was ordered after six days.

March 16, 2022: Release from Jail

On March 16, 2022, an Illinois appeals court ordered Jussie Smollett's release from jail pending the outcome of his conviction appeal, upon posting a $150,000 personal recognizance bond.

March 1, 2023: Appeal of Sentence

On March 1, 2023, Jussie Smollett's attorney filed an appeal of his 150-day sentence related to the felony disorderly conduct conviction in his hate crime hoax.

December 1, 2023: Conviction Upheld

On December 1, 2023, the court upheld Jussie Smollett's conviction.

2023: Sentence Upheld on Appeal

In 2023, Jussie Smollett's sentence was upheld on appeal.

November 21, 2024: Conviction Reversed by Illinois Supreme Court

On November 21, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed Jussie Smollett's conviction, stating that retrying him after he had paid $10,000 and served community service violated his constitutional due process rights.