Former Empire star Jussie Smollett has settled a years-long legal battle with the city of Chicago, the result of a disputed hate crime against him in 2019.

In late January 2019, Smollett, a gay black man, alleged that he was a victim of a hate crime in Chicago where two men attacked him at night, calling him racist and homophobic slurs, putting a noose around his neck and covering him in bleach.

After an investigation into the incident, prosecutors alleged that Smollett planned the attack on himself for publicity, paying the two accused assailants for their attack. A jury trial in 2021 found him guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing false police reports.

He was sentenced to 150 days in jail in March 2022, a fine of $120,000 in restitution to the Chicago Police Department, and a general fine of $25,000. He was released on bail six days into his sentence. Over the years, Smollett has not wavered in defending his innocence.

On Friday, May 23, Smollett posted an explanation of the settlement on Instagram, sharing that he has agreed to make a $50,000 donation to charity as part of the resolution.

“Over six years ago, after it was reported I had been jumped, City Officials in Chicago set out to convince the public that I willfully set an assault against myself,” he wrote. “This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear. These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do.

“Today, it should be clear… They have received neither.

“The decision to settle the civil lawsuit was not the most difficult one to make. After repeatedly refusing to pay the City, I was presented with an opportunity to make a charitable donation in exchange for the case being dismissed.

Smollett explained that although he still denied the allegations, that did not affect his love for Chicago, where he lived for five years, and the people with which he became exceedingly close. Given his love of the city, he was happy to make a sizable donation to support the often underfunded communities to which he felt so connected. 

“I’ve made a $50,000.00 direct donation to Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts (BBF), a local nonprofit doing incredible work nurturing self-expression, creativity and exploration of the arts for Chicago youth. This organization was of my choosing, and I’m comforted that there will be at least one winner from this experience.

“Though I was exonerated by the Illinois Supreme Court in a unanimous decision and the civil case will now be dismissed, I’m aware that it will not change everyone’s mind about me or the attack I experienced. However, despite arduous and expensive attempts to punish me, I am innocent in the eyes of God and our criminal justice system.

“What I have to do now is move forward.

“I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth. Lastly, I’m grateful to have had the resources to defend myself. So many do not.

“They are backed into corners to take deals or confess to crimes they did not actually commit. In their honor, I am donating an additional $10,000.00 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center who provides resources to communities healing from the violence of the Chicago Police Department.

“To everyone who has supported me, thank you. Your prayers and belief in me mean more than words can properly express. I will never take it lightly and will never forget. Onward. With Love & Respect, Jussie Smollett.”

Smollett concluded by offering his condolences and admiration for any other individuals who have had to defend or prove when they were violated. He emphasized his identity as a member of the community and his support for others.

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Article by Baila Eve Zisman

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