Is Jussie Smollett Guilty? Unpacking His Overturned Conviction And Cultural Impact

In January 2019, Empire star Jussie Smollett reported that he was the victim of a racial and homophobic attack in Chicago. According to the 42-year-old, two masked people shouted slurs at him, tied a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him. And as he has said, they shouted “This is MAGA country” during the assault. Of course, given the gravity of the situation, the initial reactions to it were pretty swift and sympathetic. His fans and other public figures rallied behind Smollett to support him during that difficult time. However, the whole narrative changed when the Chicago Police Department and a special prosecutor reopened the investigation.

Surveillance footage and ride-share records indicated that Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, two brothers that Smollett knew from Empire, were involved. Then, the brothers testified that Smollett paid them to orchestrate the attack for publicity, which obviously turned the tables on the actor. During the investigation, police discovered a $3,500 check and some clothing that matched what the brothers mentioned was used for the hoax. After that, the backlash was fierce. Many people keeping up with the case felt that Smollett had used his fame for self-promotion or just questionable gains. So, the case became a focal point for some broader debates about credibility and the power of celebrities. Here’s what we know about the situation and how Jussie Smollett has recently spoken up. 

What was Jussie Smollett charged with?

As NBC Chicago reports, Smollett was first indicted in early 2019 on the counts of felony disorderly conduct for allegedly staging the hate crime and even filing false police reports. Luckily for him, his charges were dropped after he performed community service and forfeited his $10,000 bond.

However, in February 2020 a special prosecutor re-indicted him on six felony counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports. By December 2021, a jury convicted him of five of those counts, then in March 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail. In addition to that, Smollett was ordered to pay over $120,000 in restitution, fined $25,000 and placed on probation. Ultimately, he was released after just six days pending appeal. 

What was Jussie Smollett’s ‘Empire’ salary?

With all his fame, the California native’s monetary charges may not seem like a lot. But whether or not people believe Jussie Smollett is guilty, he has to pay. For fans wondering if the amount is in his tax bracket, there are some things to consider. According to Variety, during his time on Empire, Smollett’s pay reportedly rose to as much as $125,000 per episode (in later seasons). With around 18 episodes per season, his annual earnings would have been around the low millions. 

As authorities have suggested over the years, the actor’s dissatisfaction with his salary might have motivated the alleged hoax. But beyond pay, the legal fallout of the investigation will cost him heavily. His restitution to Chicago, fine and legal fees all jumped into the hundreds of thousands. Plus, as some fans know, the situation cost him his role in Empire entirely. So his net worth, which was only significantly higher, has dropped. Recent estimates from Celebrity Net Worth even put it around $300,000 as of this year. 

Who was the Osundairo brothers’ attorney?

The Osundairo brothers, Abimbola (“Abel”) and Olabinjo (“Ola”), were central to the unraveling of Jussie Smollett’s case. They were once considered his friends and were even extras on Empire at one point. However, once they became key witnesses after they told investigators that Smollett recruited them for the attack, they got their affairs in order, hiring Chicago defense attorney Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez to represent them during the high-profile proceedings. She played a big role in framing their narrative, which emphasizes that the brothers did not mastermind anything but instead just followed instructions. 

In interviews, Rodriguez has commented on how Smollett’s refusal to accept responsibility has stalled things. She even remarked to TMZ about he won’t be able to continue his career the same unless he confesses. Whether or not her comments ring true, they highlight how the brothers’ testimony remains a low point for Smollett’s reputation. The public’s reputation of his guilt or innocence still hinges heavily on whether their account is believed over his. 

Did Jussie Smollett tell the truth?

So, the big question is, is Jussie Smollett guilty of lying about the incident? While he has adamantly denied fabricating the attack, he has also repeatedly stated that he was targeted for his race and sexuality. He’s even made comments to clarify that, “What is important, regardless of what you think about me… the fact is I didn’t do that […] That’s all that matters.”

However, the evidence presented in court and by the Chicago Police paints a very different picture of his involvement. Investigators still point to surveillance footage showing the brothers purchasing rope and ski masks. There is also the $3,500 check written by Smollett, plus the brothers’ testimony that they rehearsed the attack. 

But in Netflix’s recent release ​​The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, the embattled actor gives more of his side of the story. He even describes the skepticism he faced as “emasculating.” This documentary juxtaposes his unwavering account with the Osundairos’ detailed testimony. So, it leaves viewers to wrestle with contradictions and highlights why the Smollett case is still so polarizing. Ultimately, people are unsure about Smollett’s guilt. 

Was Jussie Smollett’s conviction overturned?

This is where it gets even more complicated, per CNN. The answer is yes, Smollett’s conviction was overturned, but the reasoning behind that is crucial. In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court vacated Smollett’s 2021 convictions. The justices concluded that his due process rights had been violated because he was essentially prosecuted twice for the same conduct. More specifically, in 2019, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office dropped the first set of charges after Smollett completed his community service and forfeited his $10,000 bond. The later re-indictment in 2020 by a special prosecutor was deemed a breach of fairness, basically amounting to double jeopardy. 

It’s important to note that this ruling didn’t declare Jussie Smollett innocent. Instead, the court stressed that its decision was based on procedural grounds, not a re-evaluation of evidence. Prosecutors maintained that the jury verdict was valid and that the brothers’ testimony and supporting evidence were compelling. For Smollett, the reversal was a legal lifeline, which basically spared him from serving the remainder of his 150-day sentence or even paying additional restitution. However, in the court of public opinion, the nuance of the situation was often lost. Some have seen it as a vindication, while others consider it a technical escape hatch.

‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett’ review

Netflix’s The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which premiered on Aug. 22, attempts to provide a definitive take on one of the most sensational celebrity scandals as of late. It is directed with a mix of true crime pacing and celebrity profile stylings and features some interesting perspectives. For one, there is an intimate interview with Smollett himself. But in addition to that, there are talks with police, lawyers and investigators.

Viewers see how Smollett’s case became a cultural phenomenon that fueled debates about race, sexuality, politics and media bias. Most intriguingly, the new documentary shows Smollett himself reflecting on the toll the whole case has taken on his career and mental health. Basically, it allows him to tell his side of the story. But if viewers are looking for the undeniable answer to their biggest questions (for example, is Jussie Smollett guilty?), the documentary doesn’t have a definitive response or stance. It pretty much mirrors the uncertainty around the case, offering a stage for evidence that can convince viewers of his innocence or guilt. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jurnee and Jussie Smollett related?

Yes, as People reports, Jussie and Jurnee Smollett are siblings. In total, there are six children in the family. 

Who is Jussie Smollett engaged to?

As of June 2025, Jussie announced his engagement to Jabari Redd, a fellow actor and New York native.