Jussie Smollett is a controversial figure.
Jussie Smollett
CONTROVERSIALActing
Jussie Smollett (born June 21, 1982) is an American actor, singer and photographer. As a child, he began his acting career for summer fun in 1987 starring in national network commercials in NYC. He later co-starred in the films The Mighty Ducks (1992) and Rob Reiner's North (1994). In 2015, Smollett received rave reviews for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox music-industry primetime TV drama Empire.
Cancel-O-Meter
CONTROVERSIAL
Cancel-O-Meter
CONTROVERSIAL
Controversy Timeline(1)
2019
Convicted of staging a fake hate crime
Fraud / Financial Crime
High
In January 2019, Smollett reported being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. Investigation revealed he had orchestrated the attack himself, paying two acquaintances to stage it. Convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct in December 2021 and sentenced to 150 days in jail.
