Netflix is gearing up to release a revealing documentary that focuses on the Jussie Smollett incident from 2019, d “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” Scheduled for premiere on August 22, the film includes gripping interviews featuring police, legal professionals, journalists, and investigators who discuss what they claim to be fresh evidence regarding the case.
Smollett became a household name as Jamal Lyon on the Fox series “Empire.” In early 2019, he reported a violent hate crime in Chicago, where he accused two men of shouting racial slurs, pouring an unknown substance on him, and placing a rope around his neck. Initially, the public reacted with overwhelming support, including endorsements from celebrities like Viola Davis and Shonda Rhimes, along with political figures such as Kamala Harris, who described the incident as a modern-day lynching.
However, things took a turn when Chicago police uncovered surveillance footage flaunting the alleged attackers, who turned out to be Nigerian American brothers associated with his show. Evidence soon emerged that suggested Smollett had arranged the entire episode, even offering the brothers $3,500 for their involvement.
Initially, he faced 16 felony disorderly conduct charges, but those were dropped. Fast forward a year, he was indicted again, eventually going through a highly publicized trial in 2021 that resulted in him being found guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct. Consequently, he received a 30-month probation sentence, capped with 150 days in jail and fines exceeding $120,000. In a twist, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed his conviction in 2024, citing procedural issues, and by 2025, he reportedly settled with Chicago. Throughout, Smollett has consistently denied all allegations of staging the crime.
This documentary is helmed by director Gagan Rehill and is produced by RAW, the same folks behind Netflix hits like “Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer” and “The Tinder Swindler.” Executive producers include Tom Sheahan and Tim Wardle.
“I’m thrilled to present this film to Netflix’s audience,” Rehill remarked. “This narrative offers a rollercoaster ride that taps into the insights of individuals central to the story. I aimed to present contrasting viewpoints while utilizing their captivating testimonies to weave through the fascinating light and darkness of this situation. Furthermore, I wanted this film to encapsulate a pivotal moment of societal transformation in 2019, a time when our collective reality began to feel increasingly divided and less cohesive in terms of what the truth really was.”
