History of Jussie Smollett in Timeline

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

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 21, 1982: Jussie Smollett's Birth

On June 21, 1982, Jussie Smollett was born. He is an American actor, filmmaker, and singer.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Early Acting Career

In 1990, Jussie Smollett worked as an extra in the New York-shot movie Mo' Better Blues.

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2014: Casting in Empire

In 2014, Jussie Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire, a role that gained recognition for its depiction of a black gay man on television.

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February 2015: Recording Contract with Columbia Records

In February 2015, Jussie Smollett signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.

March 2015: Smollett Comes Out as Gay

In March 2015, Jussie Smollett publicly came out as gay during a televised interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

2016: Guest Starring in Underground

In 2016, Jussie Smollett guest-starred alongside his younger sister Jurnee in Underground.

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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.

April 30, 2019: Character Removal from Empire

On April 30, 2019, Fox Entertainment announced that although Jussie Smollett's contract had been extended 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, after allegations of favoritism towards Jussie Smollett, prosecutor Kim Foxx asked the state to conduct an independent inquiry by a special investigator.

November 2021: Release of B-Boy Blues

In November 2021, Jussie Smollett directed B-Boy Blues, a movie based on the 1994 black gay novel by James Earl Hardy, and the movie was released.

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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.