It has been five years since Jussie Smollett first felt the scorch of the national spotlight.
The Scandal That Shook Hollywood
In 2019, he claimed he was the victim of a violent, racist, homophobic attack that left him doused with gasoline with a noose around his neck in Chicago. The subsequent investigation prompted prosecutors to allege the crime was a hoax and that Smollett paid the perpetrators to rough him up.
In 2021, he was found guilty of disorderly conduct for making false claims and sentenced to 150 days in jail, ordered to pay hefty fines and restitution. Smollett was released after six days behind bars and is currently appealing the verdict. While many of the details remain unclear, the actor has maintained his innocence. In the years since, he has kept a mostly low profile while continuing to work; making his directorial debut with “B-Boy Blues” in 2021.
“I’m a very passionate person. I’m a very sensitive person. But I’m also strong person…I’m a person of integrity,” he said during a recent sit-down with PopViewers. “I stand by what I’ve always said, but again that’s neither here nor there. If anybody wants to— doesn’t believe me or does believe me, that’s fine either way. But what I know for sure is that the work that we’ve created can bring people together,” he said.
A New Chapter: Jussie Smollett’s The Lost Holliday
“The Lost Holliday” is another example of Smollett’s undeniable talent. He co-wrote the film alongside Jerrell Chesney while starring, producing, and directing the flick that also features his new music.
For some fans who first fell in love with the multi-talented star when he hit the small screen as Jamal on “Empire,” Smollett’s talent is no surprise, but some may find it hard to trust the artist, and perhaps the art, in light of his tumultuous past.
Still, he continues to receive support from famous friends and family members who are more than happy to stand by his side in front of and behind the camera. Co-starring Vivica A. Fox and Jabari Redd and featuring Cynthia Bailey; it’s clear there are plenty of people onboard with a comeback.
“We’ve been through some things. And so to be here with the support of Vivica; the support of Mona Scott Young; the support of Tressa Smallwood and the entire cast and crew has been something that I don’t take lightly,” he said.
Standing Strong: Smollett on His Truth and Moving Forward
While he understands that some may have lost faith in him amid the confusing course of events, Smollett remains confident the world will one day learn and accept his truth.
“I understand why people would ask about it, but with that said, I’ve stood by the truth the entire time. I’ve never switched up. I’ve never changed my story even though other people have,” he continued. “I think that truth is something that is like a life jacket, right? You could drag it down to the bottom of the ocean floor, but sooner or later, even if it takes a long time, it’s going to find its way to the shore. So I think that with that said, I pray that people look at the work.”
In “The Lost Holliday,” Smollett tackles tolerance and acceptance through a lens we haven’t seen before. The final product is beautifully shot, well-written, well-acted, and a much-needed piece of art that can start conversations the community needs to have, and Smollett hopes his polarizing past doesn’t overshadow the impact it could have.
“I understand why people feel the way that they do based on the narrative that was spun and the way that it was served to them. But at the same time, truth will come to light. Truth will always come to light,” he said. “But until that time, I’m going to keep on working, I’m going to keep on loving, and I’m going to keep on spreading joy and love as much as I possibly can. And it will affect the people that it’s meant to affect. And God and the universe and my ancestors are working overtime for me.”
“The Lost Holliday” is in theaters now.
Check out the full interview up top.
