When Was Jussie Smollett Attacked? Revisiting The Timeline

Again in early 2019, Jussie Smollett’s title was all over the place in mainstream information. On the time, he was one of many breakout stars of Empire, a drama that had change into a cultural staple for Black tv audiences. Then got here the night time of Jan. 29, when Smollett informed Chicago police he had survived a brutal hate crime. In keeping with his story, two masked males yelled racist and homophobic slurs, doused him in bleach and put a rope round his neck, which instantly caught media consideration. 

Then got here the outpouring of assist from different stars, politicians and activists. They and most people rushed to face with him as he stood towards the nice injustice he allegedly endured. However inside weeks, the case shifted from sympathy to suspicion. Authorities even accused Smollett of orchestrating the assault, which sparked years of courtroom battles, media scrutiny and questions that also divide opinion right now.

A complete timeline of Jussie Smollett’s alleged assault

The Jussie Smollett saga wasn’t only a superstar scandal – it turned a nationwide dialog about race, sexuality, the facility of media and public belief. For Black audiences specifically, it hit near residence. Right here was a rising star who had carved out uncommon illustration on mainstream tv, however had ended up on the middle of a narrative that felt each complicated and alarming.

With all of the transferring elements of the case, it’s comprehensible that individuals may not have been in a position to sustain. For those who want a refresher of the finer particulars, learn on for a breakdown of how the case unfolded, with a little bit of context to clarify why every second actually mattered. 

Jan. 22, 2019: The letter earlier than the storm 

Per Vainness Honest, in late January, Jussie Smollett obtained a threatening letter on the Empire studio in Chicago, together with ransom-style cut-out letters, a sketch of a dangling determine, and powder, which was later recognized as crushed ibuprofen. The letter was stamped “MAGA” with a return handle that reads, “Smollett Jussie, you’ll die black f**.” 

Jan. 29, 2019: The alleged assault in Chicago

Round 2 AM, Smollett reported an assault close to his Chicago residence, BBC stories. He stated that two masked people hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him. They then allegedly wrapped a rope round his neck and poured a mysterious substance, which was later confirmed to be bleach, on him. In addition they apparently shouted, “MAGA nation.”

On the time, many individuals within the Black and LGBTQ+ group noticed Jussie Smollett’s alleged assault as yet one more troubling instance of hate crime violence. The actor visited a health care provider, and police described his situation as “good.” The following day, a number of celebrities confirmed like to Smollett through social media, together with Viola Davis, Janelle Monae, Grace Byers and Empire creator Lee Daniels. The latter posted a video to Instagram, saying, “Maintain your head up Jussie. I’m with you.”

Jan. 31, 2019 – Early February: Jussie Smollett refuses at hand over his telephone, police launch images

After reviewing hours of footage, the Chicago PD was stumped because the surveillance doesn’t present the assault. What was captured solely confirmed grainy stills of two unidentified folks strolling within the space. As soon as they launch photos of the 2 people seen close by, they’re established as individuals of curiosity. However the lack of direct proof (together with Smollett’s refusal at hand over his telephone) planted the primary seeds of doubt. Fairly than urgent the difficulty, police defined, “He’s a sufferer. We don’t deal with him like a felony,” noting they wouldn’t demand Smollett’s telephone.

When talking out for the primary time on Feb. 1, the 42-year-old stated, “The outpouring of affection and assist from my village has meant greater than I’ll ever be capable of really put into phrases,” in an announcement. “I’m working with authorities and have been 100% factual and constant on each stage,” he added.

The following day, Jussie Smollett spoke out once more at a live performance, BBC stories. “I’m not totally healed but, however I’m going to,” he learn from a chunk of paper. “Simply because there was a whole lot of stuff stated about me that’s completely not true. I’m positive my lawyer’s sitting up there like ‘No, Jussie, no,’” Smollett continued. He completed, “Above all, I fought… again. I’m the homosexual Tupac.”

Feb. 11-15, 2019: Investigation shifts after telephone data are submitted, the Osundairo brothers recognized

After refusing at hand over his telephone, the California native gave police a PDF file of his cell data. As NBC Chicago shares, investigators realized that recordsdata have been redacted to seemingly help in a cover-up, though that they had no cause to suspect wrongdoing on Smollett’s half.

Because the investigation continued, clues led police to Nigerian-American brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo. Each of whom labored on the present Empire as extras and infrequently went to the gymnasium with Smollett, in accordance with their lawyer. Though they weren’t handled as suspects, gadgets seized from their residence embrace an Empire script, recipts, a pink hat, bleach, a telephone and a black face masks. After practically 48 hours in custody, they’re launched with no prices, CBS Information stories.

Whereas the Osundairo brothers had been coping with authorities, Jussie Smollett appeared on Good Morning America to inform his story. “If I had stated [the attackers] was a Muslim, or a Mexican or somebody Black, I really feel just like the doubters would have supported me quite a bit rather more,” the actor expressed whereas suggesting his attackers had been white. Though rumors of the assault being staged started to swirl on the time, BBC notes that Chicago police stated they’ve “no proof to assist” the hypothesis.

Late February 2019: Jussie Smollett charged and arrested

In only a matter of days, the tables turned. On Feb. 20, stories verify that Jussie Smollett was arrested and charged with felony disorderly misconduct, in addition to submitting a false police report. He’s accused of mendacity to the police concerning the assault as a result of submitting a false police report. In a extensively lined press convention, Chicago police accused him of staging the assault to “promote his profession,” increase his profile and negotiate the next wage.

The day after being charged, Smollett handed himself in to the police, who asserted that the embattled entertainer despatched the aforementioned racist letter to himself. Authorities additionally claimed that Smollett wrote the Osundairo brothers a $3,500 verify to stage the assault.

“We perceive the seriousness of this matter and we respect the authorized course of. We’re evaluating the state of affairs and we’re contemplating our choices,” Fox Leisure and twentieth Century Fox wrote in an announcement. Finally, they opted to droop Smollett from Empire, labelling the allegations towards him as “disturbing.”

Early March 2019: Osundairo brothers specific remorse, Smollett pleads not responsible

On Mar. 1, the Osundairo brothers’ lawyer, Gloria Schimdt, launched a assertion on their behalf. “My purchasers have super remorse over their involvement on this state of affairs, they usually perceive the way it has impacted folks throughout the nation,” it learn. “Notably minority communities and particularly those that have been victims of hate crimes themselves.”

Halfway by means of the month, Empire returned to the air. An on-screen look from Smollett’s Jamal Lyon may need impacted rankings negatively, in accordance with Selection. On Mar. 14, the West Coast native pleaded not responsible whereas in courtroom going through 16 counts of disorderly conduct tied to false reporting. Every depend stems from particular person statements he made to police within the aftermath of the alleged assault.

Late March 2019: Prices dropped as backlash flows in

In a shock turnaround, prosecutors dropped all prices towards Smollett after he accomplished group service and forfeited a $10,000 bond. In response, metropolis officers and police reacted angrily, claiming justice has not been served.

On Mar. 28, President Donald Trump addressed the state of affairs on X, describing it as “outrageous” and an “embarrassment to the nation.” On the similar time, he confirmed that the FBI and Division of Justice would examine additional. For its half, the town of Chicago filed a lawsuit searching for roughly $130,000 in investigative prices in mid-April, insisting that Smollett “orchestrated” the assault, resulting in a misuse of time and sources.

Apr. 23, 2019: Osundario brothers take authorized motion

Moreover feeling the warmth on-line and in Chi-city, Jussie Smollett’s authorized crew additionally took a success from the Osundairo brothers, who sued them for defamation, per BBC. Their swimsuit got here on account of continued accusations damaging their reputations. The Empire solid members’ legal professionals referred to as the lawsuit “comical” and “ridiculous.”

In June 2019, footage of Smollett carrying the noose in his residence was launched by police. Whereas that made rounds and sparked debate on-line, it wasn’t till February 2020 that the case progressed any additional.

February 2020: Jussie Smollett’s case reopened 

Particular prosecutor Dan Webb is appointed to evaluation how the sooner case was dealt with. After reexamining proof, a grand jury as soon as once more indicts Smollett on six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly mendacity to police, BBC stories.

November 2021: Trial brings new info to mild

It wasn’t till November 2021 that Jussie Smollett’s trial started, with Webb arguing that he “developed a secret plan that will make it seem there was really a hate crime that really occurred towards him by supporters of Donald Trump.”

Whereas it had been a while because the alleged assault, new info continued to floor in courtroom. In the course of the trial, Smollett claimed he was concerned in a sexual relationship with Abel Osundairo earlier than the incident. He additionally maintained that the $3,500 verify was for a meal and exercise plan.

When requested why he didn’t name the police, he defined, “As a Black man in America, I don’t belief the police. I’m sorry.”

Dec. 9, 2021: ‘Empire’ actor discovered responsible

After a week-long trial, a Chicago jury discovered Smollett responsible and convicted him of 5 of six counts of disorderly conduct. The Osundairo brothers testified intimately how the alleged assault was staged, even claiming they rehearsed it with Smollett. Regardless of their testimony, Smollett maintained his innocence.

Mar. 11, 2022: Sentencing and launch drama 

Smollett is sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation and greater than $120,000 in restitution to the town. One of many standout occurrences of his sentencing was when he loudly declared, “I’m not suicidal,” which sparked questions on his psychological state.

Movies of his courtroom outburst unfold on social media, so hypothesis was thriving. He then served simply six days in Prepare dinner County Jail earlier than being launched on $150,000 bond pending enchantment.

Nov. 21, 2024: Jussie Smollett’s conviction overturned 

The Illinois Supreme Court docket overturned Smollett’s conviction on due course of grounds, however extra particularly for being recharged after a plea settlement. With this, the courtroom pointed to his earlier settlement with prosecutors, which dropped prices in alternate for group service, saying he ought to haven’t been charged. However the authorized reversal is procedural, not an exoneration. So, this authorized victory for Smollett doesn’t clear up the general public divide on the case – it merely clears his document.  

Could 2025: Settlement with Chicago

Extra just lately, NBC Information stories that Jussie Smollett resolved the town’s lawsuit by agreeing to make a $50,000 donation to a Chicago arts nonprofit. This settlement ends the town’s pursuit of reimbursement for police investigative prices. And though the transfer is seen as a step in direction of closure, there are nonetheless debates over accountability. 

Aug. 22, 2025: Netflix reopens the dialog 

The Fact About Jussie Smollett?, a Netflix authentic directed by Gagan Rehill, revisits the case with interviews, investigation evaluation and a few by no means earlier than seen footage. Smollett himself seems within the documentary, nonetheless proclaiming and doubling down on his alleged innocence. 

What occurred to Jussie Smollett’s profession?

Within the peak of his profession, Smollett carved a historic area for queer Black males on Empire as Jamal Lyon. His character’s journey to acceptance provided visibility, hope and blunt honesty. The fallout after Jussie Smollett was allegedly attacked shook his profession trajectory although since public discourse concerning the case was widespread.

Smollett was swiftly written off Empire’s ultimate season, as Leisure Weekly describes. Together with his title tangled in controversy, his highlight dimmed considerably and it appeared his profession was going downhill. 

But extra just lately, he has been making an attempt a comeback since a few of the scandal of the case has seemingly simmered down. He even directed and starred in The Misplaced Holliday, which was his first performing function since Empire. He’s additionally set to return to the display in a actuality competitors sequence, Particular Forces: World’s Hardest Take a look at.

Frequently Requested Questions

What’s Jussie Smollett’s actual title?

The controversial entertainer was born Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California.

Is Jussie Smollett a singer in actual life?

Sure, he can sing in actual life. Smollett each wrote and carried out music for his function on the present Empire.

Why was Empire cancelled?

As Deadline stories, the price of doing enterprise, low rankings and the spiraling controversy surrounding Smollett’s case all negatively impacted the present. These elements in the end led to a shocking finish in April 2020.