Jussie Smollett, the actor known for his role in the series ‘Empire’ and infamous for his controversial 2019 hate crime incident, announced on Friday that he has made a $50,000 donation to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts. This payment is part of a settlement with the city of Chicago regarding the fallout from his widely criticized actions.
In his statement regarding the donation, Smollett continued to frame himself as a victim of a biased justice system, reiterating his previously debunked narrative that he was attacked due to his race. This portrayal raises eyebrows, especially considering the extensive evidence that contradicts his claims.
The city of Chicago previously took legal action against Smollett after it became clear that he had filed a false police report and orchestrated a hoax hate crime. In a twist of irony, Smollett countersued, maintaining that he was not involved in fabricating the incident.
Last month, six years after the initial events, Smollett reached a settlement with the city—a conclusion to a saga that has drawn public scrutiny and has been the subject of ridicule in various media outlets.
MAGA Hate Hoaxer Jussie Smollett Reaches ‘Undisclosed’ Settlement with City of Chicago… 6 Years Later
In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction, clarifying that he could not face double jeopardy based on a prior plea deal in which he agreed to pay $10,000 and complete community service. Importantly, this ruling did not exonerate him but rather upheld his Fifth Amendment rights. Nevertheless, Smollett has since inaccurately claimed to have been “exonerated” by the court.
Smollett’s account of the incident included allegations that he was assaulted by individuals who poured bleach on him and placed a noose around his neck while hurling racial and homophobic slurs. However, evidence later surfaced revealing that Smollett had compensated two Nigerian brothers over $3,000 to assist in staging the incident.
Footage previously released shows the Osundairo brothers purchasing materials for the staged attack, including red hats, rope, and bleach—items that have become emblematic of the hoax. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Smollett persists in asserting that he was indeed the victim of a genuine crime.
In a statement shared on Instagram on Friday, he reiterated his innocence and accused Chicago officials of orchestrating a smear campaign to portray him as the mastermind behind the assault.
He also claimed to have been “exonerated by the Illinois Supreme Court” and professed his innocence in the sight of both divine and legal authorities, despite the fact that he had previously entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors.
In what appears to be an effort to improve his public image, Smollett announced an additional donation of $10,000 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center—a nonprofit focused on addressing trauma from police violence and systemic racism, as described on their website.
In a rather ironic twist, he expressed solidarity with those who have faced the challenge of proving their victimization, stating, “I stand with and for you,” which raises questions about his authenticity in the context of his own actions.
Over six years ago, after reports surfaced about my assault, city officials in Chicago sought to convince the public that I willfully staged the attack. This narrative has tarnished my character and does not reflect the truth. Authorities aimed to extract money from me while forcing a confession for a crime I did not commit. Today, they have achieved neither.
The choice to settle this civil lawsuit was not made lightly. After initially resisting payment, I was offered an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause in exchange for the case dismissal. Chicago was my home for over five years, and its people became my family. Supporting a nonprofit that uplifts underserved communities is a cause I will always champion. Therefore, I have made a $50,000.00 donation to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, which fosters creativity and self-expression among Chicago’s youth. I hope this experience yields at least one positive outcome.
While I acknowledge that the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled in my favor regarding double jeopardy, I understand that this decision may not alter public perception regarding me or the alleged attack. However, I remain steadfast in my innocence before God and the justice system. Moving forward, I aim to continue creating art, advocating for meaningful causes, and defending my integrity and family name.
Lastly, I am grateful for the resources that allowed me to defend my rights—resources that many lack, forcing them into corners to accept deals or confess to crimes they did not commit. In their honor, I am contributing an additional $10,000.00 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center, which provides essential support to communities healing from police violence. To anyone who has struggled to prove their victimization, I empathize with your plight. Thank you to all who have supported me; your belief has been invaluable. Onward.
With Love & Respect,
Jussie Smollett
