Major Controversies Surrounding Jussie Smollett: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 4, 2025

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

Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer, known for his role as Jamal Lyon in the TV series Empire (2015-2019). In January 2019, Smollett reported to police that he was the victim of a hate crime. However, he was later accused of staging the attack and filing a false police report. The case gained significant media attention and led to legal proceedings, including charges being filed and later dropped, and then a special prosecutor being appointed. Smollett was eventually found guilty on multiple counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to the police.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2019: Smollett's Hate Crime Claim

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

January 29, 2019: Smollett Reports Attack

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

February 20, 2019: Smollett 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 regarding the alleged hate crime.

June 2019: Foxx Requests Independent Inquiry

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

March 10, 2022: Smollett's Sentencing

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