Jussie Smollett
Follow the latest Jussie Smollett news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
3 years ago

Jussie Smollett sentenced for false police reports

A judge sentenced the "Empire" actor to 150 days in jail and 30 months probation for his role in reporting a false hate crime that he staged in 2019.
3 years ago
VIDEO:  Jussie Smollett sentenced for false police reports
3 years ago

Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail in fake attack

The former "Empire" actor was sentenced to 150 days in county jail on Thursday for fabricating a 2019 hate crime attack on himself.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail in fake attack
3 years ago

Actor Jussie Smollett to be sentenced in hate crime hoax

Smollett, 39, appeared in court Thursday to hear his fate after he was convicted of fabricating a hate crime attack in 2019.
3 years ago
Smollett, 39, appeared in court Thursday to hear his fate after he was convicted of fabricating a hate crime attack in 2019.
3 years ago

Former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail in hoax attack

"I am not suicidal. I am innocent," the actor said during a courtroom outburst.
3 years ago
Actor Jussie Smollett speaks to Judge James Linn after his sentence is read at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Chicago.
3 years ago

Jussie Smollett to be sentenced in hate crime hoax trial

Actor Jussie Smollett faces sentencing after being convicted in December for falsely reporting a hate crime attack in 2019.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Jussie Smollett to be sentenced in hate crime hoax trial
3 years ago

Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty for filing false police report in hoax attack

The former “Empire” actor faces up to three years of jail time after being convicted on five counts of felony disorderly conduct for lying to police about an alleged attack in 2019.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty for filing false police report in hoax attack
3 years ago

Jussie Smollett found guilty of filing false police report for hoax attack

The actor lied about a racist attack in January 2019.
3 years ago
Jussie Smollett and family members return to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago, Dec. 9, 2021.
3 years ago

Jussie Smollett trial: Timeline of how this case ended up in court

The ongoing probe has been replete with one stunning twist after another.
3 years ago
Jussie Smollett, center, arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court Building for the beginning of his trial on new disorderly conduct charges, Nov. 29 2021, in Chicago.
3 years ago

Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty of filing false police report

The actor allegedly lied about a racist attack in January 2019.
3 years ago
The actor allegedly lied about a racist attack in January 2019.
3 years ago

Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty of lying about racist attack

Smollett pleaded not guilty to six counts of felony disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report. He was found guilty of lying about a racist attack.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty of lying about racist attack
3 years ago

Jussie Smollett trial

The former ‘Empire’ actor testified in his own defense, denying he staged a racist anti-gay attack against himself. ABC News’ Christine Sloan has the details.
3 years ago
VIDEO:  Jussie Smollett trial
3 years ago

Actor Jussie Smollett’s defense rests its case

Jussie Smollett is charged with six counts of felony disorderly conduct. Prosecutors allege that he staged a racist and homophobic attack on himself. He has pleaded not guilty.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Actor Jussie Smollett’s defense rests its case
4 years ago

Facing reelection, Chicago prosecutor won't face charges in Smollett case probe

Facing reelection, a top Chicago prosecutor will not face charges in the Jussie Smollett case probe.
4 years ago
In this Feb. 22, 2019, file photo, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, speaks at a news conference as Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson listens, in Chicago.
5 years ago

Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty to new charges

Former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett has pleaded not guilty to six new charges of felony disorderly conduct after he was indicted be a grand jury in Chicago.
5 years ago
Former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett arrives at court for his arraignment on renewed felony charges in Chicago, Feb. 24, 2020.
5 years ago

Former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett indicted again by grand jury in Chicago

The actor was accused of falsely reporting he was the victim of a hate crime.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett speaks with members of the media after his court appearance at Leighton Courthouse, March 26, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
5 years ago

‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett indicted in Chicago

A special prosecutor is reviewing the actor’s case after charges he allegedly staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself were dropped.
5 years ago
VIDEO: ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett indicted in Chicago
5 years ago

Jussie Smollett facing new charges

The embattled actor was indicted by a grand jury over making false police reports last year following an alleged attack in Chicago. ABC News’ Kenneth Moton reports.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Jussie Smollett facing new charges
5 years ago

Jussie Smollett indicted in Chicago

The Former "Empire" actor was indicted by a special prosecutor in Chicago who's investigating allegations Smollett bogusly reported being the victim of a January 2019 hate-crime.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett indicted in Chicago
5 years ago

Jussie Smollett sues city of Chicago for 'malicious prosecution'

Former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett has filed a counter lawsuit against the city of Chicago, claiming that authorities 'maliciously' prosecuted him.
5 years ago
Actor Jussie Smollett emerges from the Cook County Court complex  in Chicago, in this Feb. 21, 2019 file photo.
5 years ago

Police release video of Jussie Smollett with noose

In the body camera footage from Chicago police, the former "Empire" actor is seen with a noose around his neck.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Police release video of Jussie Smollett with noose
5 years ago

First look at Jussie Smollett the night he claims he was assaulted

The video is part of 69 hours of surveillance and other images made public by the Chicago Police Department.
5 years ago
VIDEO: First look at Jussie Smollett the night he claims he was assaulted
5 years ago

Police release video of Jussie Smollett with noose around his neck

Some 69 hours of police video were released Monday, with two videos showing the moment when police first arrived at the actor's residence after receiving a 911 call.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett removes noose from neck after police officers arrive at his residence.
5 years ago

Bodycam footage shows Jussie Smollett with noose around neck

Chicago police officers found the "Empire" actor with a noose around his neck.
5 years ago
Bodycam footage shows Jussie Smollett with noose around neck
5 years ago

'Empire' creator Lee Daniels on the Jussie Smollett scandal: 'I’m beyond embarrassed'

"Empire" creator Lee Daniels opens up about the embarrassment he feels over the Jussie Smollett fiasco.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett and Lee Daniels attend the Build Series to discuss the show 'Empire' at Build Studio in this Sept. 25, 2017 file photo in New York City.
5 years ago

Jussie Smollett won't return to 'Empire'

Jussie Smollett will not return to "Empire" for season six, according to the series' co-creator, Lee Daniels.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett will not return to "Empire" for season six, according to the series' co-creator, Lee Daniels.
5 years ago

Jussie Smollett will not return to 'Empire,' says series co-creator Lee Daniels

Daniels shot down a report that said Smollett would be back for season six.
5 years ago
Actor Jussie Smollett talks to the media before leaving Cook County Court after his charges were dropped, March 26, 2019, in Chicago.
5 years ago

Photo evidence, other documents related to Smollett investigation released

The Cook County State Attorney's Office released over 2,000 pages of documents.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett speaks with members of the media after his court appearance at Leighton Courthouse, March 26, 2019, in Chicago.
5 years ago

Police release documents from Jussie Smollett case

Authorities in Chicago have released the police files relating to the investigation of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett.
5 years ago
Authorities in Chicago have released the police files relating to the investigation of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett.
5 years ago

Chicago Police release documents from Jussie Smollett investigation

Authorities in Chicago have released the police files relating to the investigation of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett.
5 years ago
Jussie Smollett speaks with members of the media after his court appearance at Leighton Courthouse, March 26, 2019, in Chicago.
5 years ago

Judge orders records in 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett criminal case be unsealed

Charges were dropped in March in a controversial agreement with prosecutors.
5 years ago
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court Building for his hearing in Chicago, March 14, 2019.
6 years ago

'No plans' for Jussie Smollett to return to 'Empire' amid hate crime fallout

Fox said Smollett remains under contract, but the actor is off the show for now.
6 years ago
Fox said Smollett remains under contract, but the actor is off the show for now.
6 years ago

'No plans' for Jussie Smollett to return to 'Empire' amid hate crime fallout

Fox said Jussie Smollett remains under contract, but the actor is off "Empire" for now.
6 years ago
Actor Jussie Smollett talks to the media before leaving Cook County Court after his charges were dropped, March 26, 2019, in Chicago.
6 years ago

Brothers file defamation suit against Jussie Smollett's lawyers

Ola and Abel Osundairo claim the actor paid them to help stage a street attack.
6 years ago
Abel Osundairo (left) celebrates with brother Olabinjo Osundairo after defeating John Broderick in a Golden Gloves senior novice light heavyweight division final boxing match in Chicago, April 12, 2019.
6 years ago

Brothers implicated in Jussie Smollett 'hoax' attack sue the actor's lawyers

Ola and Abel Osundairo claim the actor paid them to help stage a street attack.
6 years ago
Ola and Abel Osundairo claim the actor paid them to help stage a street attack.
6 years ago

Prosecutor gets death threats after dropping Jussie Smollett charges

Her office did not offer specific details about the threats, but it said they included "racially charged language."
6 years ago
In this Feb. 22, 2019 file photo, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx speaks at a news conference, in Chicago.
6 years ago

Prosecutor gets death threats after dropping Jussie Smollett charges

Her office said the threats included "racially charged language."
6 years ago
Her office said the threats included "racially charged language."
6 years ago

State's attorney calls Jussie Smollett 'washed up,' R. Kelly a 'pedophile' in texts

Documents released Tuesday showed state's attorney Kim Foxx said things about Jussie Smollett and R. Kelly.
6 years ago
In this Feb. 22, 2019 file photo, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx speaks at a news conference, in Chicago.
6 years ago

State's attorney calls Smollett 'washed up' in texts

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx referred to "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett as a "washed up celeb who lied to cops," according to newly revealed text messages.
6 years ago
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx referred to "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett as a "washed up celeb who lied to cops," according to newly revealed text messages.
6 years ago

Investigation launched into handling of Jussie Smollett case

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said that she "invited" the inspector general to look into her office's handling of the case involving the "Empire" actor.
6 years ago
In this Feb. 22, 2019 file photo, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx speaks at a news conference, in Chicago.
6 years ago

Chicago sues Jussie Smollett

The city outlined its case against the "Empire" actor in a detailed timeline.
6 years ago
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court Building for his hearing in Chicago, March 14, 2019.
6 years ago

City of Chicago sues Jussie Smollett

The city formally filed a civil complaint against the "Empire" actor after he refused to reimburse the city more than $130,000 in police overtime costs.
6 years ago
VIDEO: City of Chicago sues Jussie Smollett
6 years ago

City of Chicago suing 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett for more than $130,000

The city had asked the actor to pay for the cost of the investigation in which police said he falsely claimed that two men had attacked him.
6 years ago
The city had asked the actor to pay for the cost of the investigation in which police said he falsely claimed that two men had attacked him.
6 years ago

Jussie Smollett 'will not be intimidated into paying' $130,000 to Chicago: Lawyer

The city said it would sue the actor after he missed a payment deadline.
6 years ago
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court Building for his hearing in Chicago, March 14, 2019.
6 years ago

Chicago to sue Jussie Smollett

The "Empire" actor hasn't yet paid the city $130,000 that was used to investigate an alleged hate crime against Smollett. ABC News' Kenneth Moton reports.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Chicago to sue Jussie Smollett
6 years ago

Taraji P. Henson shares why she takes 'great responsibility' in all roles

The actress discusses her role in the new movie "The Best of Enemies" and how the cast of "Empire" is doing in light of the controversy surrounding Jussie Smollett.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Rep. Tim Ryan tells 'The View' he's 'going to run for president of the United States'
6 years ago

Actress Taraji P. Henson on co-star Jussie Smollett's case

Taraji P. Henson, who’s starred alongside Jussie Smollett in “Empire” since 2015, spoke out on “The View” about the dropped charges after an investigation into his claim.
6 years ago
Taraji P. Henson, who’s starred alongside Jussie Smollett in “Empire” since 2015, spoke out on “The View” about the dropped charges after an investigation into his claim.
6 years ago

Dueling demonstrations over Jussie Smollett case erupt in Chicago

The actor forfeited his $10,000 bond and did community service, officials said. Dueling demonstrations happened over Kimberly Foxx's handling of the Jussie Smollett case.
6 years ago
Dueling protestors clash over Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx's office's decision to drop all charges against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, April 1, 2019, in Chicago.
6 years ago

Dueling demonstrations erupt over prosecutor's handling of Jussie Smollett case

The rally and protest came a week after Cook County State's Attorney Kimberly Foxx dropped all 16 felony charges against the "Empire" actor.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Dueling demonstrations erupt over prosecutor's handling of Jussie Smollett case
6 years ago

Jussie Smollett's defense attorney offers different scenario in the case

The claims raises new questions about the Nigerian brothers' connections.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Jussie Smollett's defense attorney offers different scenario in the case
6 years ago

War of words over Jussie Smollett 'hoax' case erupts again in Chicago

Tensions are rising again in Chicago over the controversial "hoax" case.
6 years ago
Jussie Smollett attends an "Empire" event in Los Angeles, May 20, 2016.