Actor Jussie Smollett publicly addressed the recent civil settlement with the City of Chicago, resolving a longstanding legal dispute stemming from his 2019 claim of a hate crime attack. In a statement shared on Instagram, Smollett reiterated his innocence, stating that the settlement was not an admission of guilt but a strategic decision to move forward.
In January 2019, Smollett reported being attacked by two men who allegedly shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and placed a noose around his neck. However, the investigation revealed that Smollett had orchestrated the incident with the assistance of two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, leading to charges of disorderly conduct.
In 2021, Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct and sentenced to jail time. The Illinois Supreme Court later overturned the conviction in 2024, citing procedural issues related to the re-prosecution of the case. Despite the reversal, Smollett’s legal battles continued, culminating in the recent civil settlement.
As part of the settlement, Smollett agreed to donate $50,000 to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization supporting Chicago youth.
Smollett also pledged to donate $10,000 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center, writing, “To anyone who has had to prove they have in fact been violated, you know how difficult this can be to navigate. I stand with and for you.” The center is an organization dedicated to addressing police misconduct.
The civil suit filed by the City of Chicago, which sought to recover over $130,000 in investigative costs, will be dismissed upon finalization of the settlement.
In his Instagram post, Smollett expressed that settling was not difficult but it provided an opportunity to contribute to causes he supports. He emphasized that the settlement was not an admission of guilt, stating, “These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do. Today, it should be clear… They have received neither.”
This settlement marks the end of a significant chapter in what was an ongoing wave of Jussie Smollett’s legal challenges. While it resolves the civil suit with the City of Chicago, questions about the incident’s impact on his career and public image remain.
