Jussie Smollett discusses legal fight and movie return
The actor’s ongoing battle for his reputation
Jussie Smollett has once again stepped into the spotlight to discuss his ongoing legal saga stemming from a 2019 incident. The actor, known for his role in the TV series Empire, was accused of staging a racist and homophobic attack on himself. Recently, Smollett has been immersed in promoting his new film, The Lost Holliday—a project he directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in. Despite the promotional hustle, his legal woes remain a prominent part of his public narrative.
Fighting for the truth and clearing his name
During a detailed interview with Entertainment Tonight, Smollett addressed his efforts to overturn the 2021 disorderly conduct conviction. The conviction arose from allegations that he orchestrated the 2019 attack and subsequently lied to Chicago police about it. Smollett, who continually asserts his innocence, expressed his frustration and determination to fight for what he believes is the truth.
“I want to have all of these things in my life, and I don’t want to have a felony on my record for something that I didn’t do,” Smollett remarked. “That’s what we’re fighting for.”
He reflected on the significant financial and emotional toll the legal battle has taken. Smollett noted how easy it might seem for some to suggest he simply serve his time and move on, but emphasized that he would have confessed if he were guilty. This fight has cost him nearly $3 million, a sum he believes evidences his commitment to clearing his name.
Legal twists and turns
Smollett’s legal troubles began in 2019 when he was arrested and accused of staging the attack. Initially, charges against him were dropped, only to be refiled a year later. In 2021, he was convicted on five felony counts of disorderly conduct. Now, Smollett is appealing that conviction, his case currently under review by the Illinois Supreme Court.
As part of his reflective journey, Smollett candidly admitted that as both an “entertainer” and “businessman,” it might seem more pragmatic to stop fighting. Yet, the authenticity of his position as a Black man and openly gay Black man pushes him to resist what he deems an unjust judgment.
“I’m a grown man and something happened. I can’t tell exactly what did happen, but I can tell you what did not happen,” Smollett asserted.
Regrets and lessons learned
With nearly six years of this ordeal behind him, Smollett shared that there are numerous things he would have done differently. One significant regret was agreeing to a high-profile interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, conducted before he was charged with disorderly conduct.
“I wish I hadn’t done the interview,” Smollett admitted. “I never wanted to. I watched it, and I was mortified.”
Last year, Smollett entered rehab for substance abuse, a decision he felt he should have made earlier but was previously told he couldn’t pursue.
Battle against misinformation
Smollett highlighted the complexities of combating falsehoods. He noted how some truths were manipulated to bolster claims that were not true. This has led to challenges in his personal life, requiring difficult conversations with family and friends about what he has and hasn’t done.
“I’m OK with accepting responsibility for things that I’ve actually done. I’m just not OK with accepting responsibility for things that I did not do.”
Unwavering stance
Throughout this protracted legal and personal ordeal, Smollett has stood firmly by his narrative, unfaltering in his account of events. As he puts it:
“I’ve stood by, not my truth but the truth for the entire time, almost six years.”
He underscores that while his story has remained consistent, other involved parties have frequently changed their accounts.
Promoting The Lost Holliday
Amid his legal struggles, Smollett’s return to the big screen with The Lost Holliday is a testament to his resilience and multi-faceted talent in the entertainment industry. The movie is a critical project for Smollett, marking his comeback, and demonstrates his ability to create compelling work despite personal turmoils. Watch the trailer for The Lost Holliday.
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