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 known for his early roles as a child actor, debuting in "The Mighty Ducks" (1992), and his portrayal of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire" from 2015 to 2019.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2007: Arrested for DUI

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, resulting from a DUI stop. He was sentenced to a fine and three years of probation.

January 2019: Reported Hate Crime

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

January 29, 2019: Reported Attack

On January 29, 2019, Jussie Smollett reported to police that he was physically attacked and subjected to racial and homophobic slurs outside his apartment building.

February 20, 2019: Charged with Filing False Police 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 against Jussie Smollett were dropped after he performed community service and forfeited his $10,000 bond.

April 12, 2019: City of Chicago Filed Lawsuit

On April 12, 2019, the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Jussie Smollett to recover the $130,105.15 in overtime costs spent investigating the alleged hoax.

June 2019: Foxx requested independent inquiry

In June 2019, after allegations of favoritism and leniency were made against the prosecutor, Kim Foxx, Foxx asked the state to conduct an independent inquiry by a special investigator.

November 2019: Smollett Filed Countersuit

In November 2019, Jussie Smollett filed a countersuit against the city of Chicago, claiming he was the victim of "mass public ridicule and harm."

February 11, 2020: Smollett Re-Indicted

On February 11, 2020, after further investigation by a special prosecutor, Jussie Smollett was re-indicted by a Cook County grand jury on six counts of felony disorderly conduct for making four false police reports.

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, a special prosecutor re-indicted Jussie Smollett after initial charges were dropped.

November 2021: Trial Began

In November 2021, Jussie Smollett's trial began regarding charges of disorderly conduct.

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: Sentenced to Jail and Probation

On March 10, 2022, Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and two and a half years on probation, along with restitution and fines.

March 2022: Sentenced to Jail

In March 2022, Jussie Smollett was sentenced to jail time for his conviction.

March 16, 2022: Release Ordered Pending Appeal

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

March 1, 2023: Appeal Filed

On March 1, 2023, Jussie Smollett's attorney filed an appeal of his 150-day sentence.

December 1, 2023: Conviction Upheld

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

2023: Conviction Upheld on Appeal

In 2023, Jussie Smollett's conviction 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 already fulfilled the terms of an agreement (community service and payment) violated his due process rights.