Jussie Smollett Says He Felt “Extremely Emasculated” Following 2019 Attack Allegations

Chicago, IL – In a new Netflix documentary, Jussie Smollett shares the emotional impact of the 2019 hate-crime allegations. He felt “extremely emasculated” by how the public reacted to his arrest and conviction.

Smollett, 43, was accused of staging a racist and homophobic attack in January 2019. In the film, he declared, “there was no hoax.” He insisted he was a real victim of a violent assault. Smollett’s convictions were overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court in late 2024. He said the media’s initial reaction made him feel, “like I had died, and I was alive to see it.”

This year, Smollett settled with the City of Chicago. He agreed to donate $50,000 to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, which helps Chicago youth through creative programs. In return, the city will drop the lawsuit about investigation costs. He pointed out that, despite winning legally, “this false narrative has left a stain on my character.” He vowed to “move forward” by making art, championing causes he believes in, and standing up for his integrity.