Jussie Smollett Case Revisited in New Netflix Documentary

Former “Empire” star Jussie Smollett’s 2019 attack allegations are back in the spotlight in Netflix’s upcoming documentary, “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” Premiering Aug. 22, the film features interviews with police, attorneys, officials, journalists, and investigators who claim to have uncovered new evidence. Smollett himself also participates.

The title’s question mark, according to the film’s producers — known for “The Tinder Swindler” — is meant to let viewers decide for themselves who is telling the truth.

Smollett’s case began on January 29, 2019, when he told police he was assaulted near his Chicago apartment by two men using racial and homophobic slurs, placing a noose around his neck and pouring a chemical substance on him. The incident was initially investigated as a hate crime, but skepticism soon grew as more details emerged, sending Smollett’s career into decline.

He was indicted on 16 counts of disorderly conduct in March 2019, with those charges later dropped. The following year, he was re-indicted by a grand jury. In December 2021, Smollett was found guilty of making false police reports, but the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction last year, citing prosecutorial issues.

In a recent interview with Variety, Smollett said his account has never changed. “Every single other person’s story has changed multiple times. Mine has never,” he said. “I saw firsthand how narratives are built… how someone can take the exact opposite of who you are and literally sell it.”

“The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting Aug. 22.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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